"My soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water."

Psalm 63:1

Psalm 63 was written by David in one of those rare times he was chased out of Jerusalem.

He didn’t have the comforts of his pillows or his bedding. He had been separated from his family and the most beloved people in his life. He could not partake of the sumptuous delicacies of the royal buffet.

Every comfort and blessing he may have treasured had vanished, except for one.

In the wilderness, you meet with a lot of hardship. It is a place of sadness and grief. David could have been pining about all that he had lost. He could have written a song which talked about his thirst for the wine that used to fill his favorite golden chalice. He had a chance to hit the top 40 billboard hits by writing about his long lost wife and her love.

But he did not yearn for such things. His one desire transcended this earth. He had an insatiable craving for God.

In the dreary times of our life, there’s much we could complain about. We could focus on what we don’t have. We could lament the hostility that surrounds us or grip about how inhospitable our environment is. O that Calgon would take me away!

Yet these are the times that we must realize that our soul’s thirst transcends what this world can afford. The earthly joys and pleasures that we do experience are only satisfying in so far as they serve our enjoyment of Christ.

Recently I spoke at a nursing home. Some faithful people had gathered for some singing and to hear God’s word. Some of these people had lost their spouse. They had moved away from homes that contained a lifetime of memories. They had, as it were, lost certain pieces of their lives.

While there’s no doubt that the nursing home still afforded them many luxuries, they found in the songs and ministry of preaching something greater than what their insurance policy could afford them. They had a thirst for God and they longed for him.

Their lives were illustrative of Christ’s very life. In his incarnation, he entered a wilderness. This world was his dry and weary land. Yet in his sufferings he feasted. He had a constant inclination for the Father. And even when he was at the gates of hell, he cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me!”

My God. He might have been forsaken, but he had not forsaken his God. He still thirsted deeply for Him and reached out for Him.

In doing so he proved to be the Greater David; a Redeemer who would open the way for us to turn towards God and truly begin to yearn for him as we ought.

What is Reformed Theology?
Want to explore some of what makes Hopewell distinct? Then join RC Sproul as he highlights some of the basics of Reformed theology. Explore the Sola’s of the Reformation, the 5 Points of Calvinism, the Sovereignty of God, and the concept of God’s covenant.

Sundays
10:30 am  |  6:00 pm

“Remember the Sabbath Day.”

​Ex. 20:8

​Anticipation, Preparation, & Its Rewards
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When Your Heart Eagerly Seeks It Finds

This past weekend 15-20,000 people converged on the Asbury campus in order to participate in the worship at the modest university chapel. One individual testified that he waited in line for 12 hours.

Perhaps you’ve seen clips of the men, women, and children standing in the long, snaking line that winds itself through the campus. The crowds stand prayerfully, eagerly waiting their turn to enter the hallowed halls, notwithstanding the rather cool temperatures that would attempt to push them away.

I am not one who has any significant opinions on the events transpiring at Asbury. I wouldn’t be critical or ready to back it as I don’t know much about what actually is happening there.

What I do know is this: There is anticipation, preparation, and fervent expectancy.

It seems that all the world is interested in what is going on inside the Asbury chapel. I for one am more interested in what is happening outside of it. I would encourage people to think more about the pilgrimage and the process. Think about the mindset of all those who have traveled great lengths to dawn the doors of ‘ground zero.’

Again, I do not want to downplay what may be a true movement of the Spirit, but I do wish to have us think about the frame of mind of those who are moving to the place where the Spirit is said to be moving.

The worshippers are coming to Asbury expectantly. They are eagerly—yes, even fervently—looking for something great to happen. They have high hopes for what God may be doing (and what he may do to them once they are there). Their radar is keenly tuned towards how the Spirit might speak.

Is it a wonder that they ‘hear from the Lord,’ sense his presence, worship with zeal, and walk away captivated. Is it a coincidence that God seems to have visited them?

Don’t think that this is merely a psychoanalysis. Neither am I suggesting that this is merely the nature of “mob think.”

Scripture actually commends this kind of thing. It is the kind of mentality we should have. Each and every time we walk into worship on the Lord’s Day we should come with intense anticipation. Are we not coming before a God who will descend, speak, reveal, and change?

The fourth commandment tells us to “remember” the Sabbath day. To “remember” in the Bible is not merely to think back on something that formally happened or recall the event which has gone by. To remember often has a anticipatory aspect to it. It is to think ahead.

Sunday shouldn’t surprise you. It comes around each week. And you should remember that it is coming. In doing so you should prepare for it, anticipate what you might find in it, and be ready to profit by whatever the Lord may do or say.

Jesus tells us that whoever seeks will find, whoever asks will receive, and whoever knocks will have the door opened unto him. I don’t doubt that is what many at Asbury are experiencing. It isn’t a manufactured thing. It is the natural fallout of God’s promise and command. If they are seeking, is it a surprise that they are finding?

Imagine going to bed on Saturday night thinking, “I can’t wait to hear what the Lord has for me tomorrow.” What would happen if you woke up Sunday morning with plenty of time to prepare; maybe intentionally singing a chorus or two while getting yourself ready?

Compare that to a hum drum approach to worship: Sunday is just another day; it’s just a routine. We have to do the thing again. I hope we are not late for lunch this time.

Whatever do you think a person with that kind of attitude will gain out of the worship service?

I can’t say much about Asbury. Time is the greatest critic of any revival. However, there is one thing we can say for certain, and it is this: “How blessed are those who seek Him with all their heart.” Psalm 119:2

The Peacemaker: New Study March 12
On Sunday March 12 the Hopewell evening crew will begin examining the precepts for peace in relationships. Join us as we learn how to bridge broken relationships, deal with breaches in friendships, and gain the peace and harmony the Lord intends.

​Sundays 10:30 & 6

“Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage.”

Psalm 27:14

Let Your Heart Take Courage

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Strong Hope In a Dismal World
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It’s been yet another lively week in the world...
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• Satan made a rather blatant appearance at the Grammys.
• Buildings crumpled to the ground in Turkey & Syria.
• More transgender confusion happened (I’m sure there was something even more freakishly weird in the news this week beyond what we heard last week).
• Andy Stanley…well, he did more Andy Stanly stuff.

We live in a broken world. Sin and its misery are all around us. We are surrounded by suffering and the vivid portrayals of how broken the world really is. And the internet pipeline keeps us keenly aware of all the base and depraved things that are happening.

Yet the message of the gospel in this impoverished culture is, “be strong, and let your heart take courage.”

Psalm 27 sounds a little too much like our contemporary society. Suffering, evil, and godlessness lay all around David. He was immersed in lies, betrayals, adversities, and attacks. If ever the swamp needed to be drained, David knew it all too well. Yet David had no power to drain it. As a matter of fact, it threatened to suck him down and swallow him up.

No matter how dark and depressing it was, David had source of encouragement that transcended his environment. He was able to look up to the One who stood above it all and put his hope in the fact that God would act.

David knew that God was good, just, and sovereign. His spirits could be cheered because the Lord was able to help and would undoubtedly to bring His plan to pass.

While the walls of stability and sanity seemed to be crashing down around us, we may do the same. We can console our minds with this one thought: Wait for the Lord.

The same notes characterize the book of Revelation. Bowls may be poured out, trumpets may sound forth disaster, and seals may unleash wickedness that pushes the envelop. But just yonder there is one who rides a white horse. His name is Faithful and True.

We are people of expectancy. We look beyond the gloom and doom of this world to the rays which are bursting bright on the horizon. Our firm conviction is that God will not fail to act. We take courage because we live with a lively anticipation.

Scripture is quite raw on how bad things can get, but it is just as flush with optimism. So CNN can throw its worst at us. Tomorrow’s headlines can feel free to be all that much more sensational. But our motto will always be “Take heart!” For time is on our side. He who does rule over all things will bring his righteousness to bear at the appropriate time.

We know the goodness and power of God. Thus, we have good confidence that no evil will prevail. He will soon trample Satan under his feet.

Evangelism Opportunity: Reply Now!
Several churches from Ashland county are working together to saturate our neighborhoods with the gospel. We hope to accomplish this by creating door hangers with gospel literature and taking them house to house. We have opportunity to add our own church’s info to these packets too. If you would like to participate, please let us know asap.

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Transforming Your Self Image 
Transformed is a unique series where you get to sit in and watch people get the help they need.  Join us as we see how God's Word counsels all of life's problems and brings real transformation of life. 

This week: Self image;  What do we say to those who feel their body doesn't measure up?  Join us Sunday evenings at 6pm.

“So when the woman saw … that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate.”

Genesis 3:6

Short cuts can be good when they serve a proper purpose, but not all shortcuts should be taken. Many shortcuts are evil and destructive.

The Garden of Eden reveals this. The fall, in part, is due to a dreadful shortcut. Eve was duped into thinking that eating the forbidden fruit would provide a stockpile of divine knowledge. It was, so to speak, a shortcut to wisdom.

You understand the draw. Gaining wisdom isn’t easy. It requires patience, laborious study, and the tedious work of listening. Eve said phooey on all that. Why not just munch your way to scholarship?

A diploma through digestion may sound a little silly to you, but how many times have we fallen into the same sort of thinking? There have been many people who believe that they can get slimmer without the difficulty of counting calories and increasing exercise. Just take a couple pills or strap into a machine that shakes your bottom, and voila.

Financial shortcuts are one of the biggest draws. Who doesn’t want to skate into riches without the toilsome pains of education, labor, and loads of time doing menial tasks. We want big money fast; something that requires the least possible effort and no experience necessary.

We all have this desire for short cuts. Each of us has been lured in by the simplicity of it all. Just copy a few answers off the kid sitting next to you or look up the answers in the back of the book. You'll get the passing grade without having to put in all that extra time and energy. It's no fruit eating, but it's the same concept.

Sloth is it's real name. Sluggards love skipping out on God's appointed means of doing things. My lazy nature wants to forge an easier way to the big time.

Raising kids is hard work. You have to make a meal two, maybe three times a day. You have to tell them over and over what they are supposed to do. Then you have to stop them when they do it because you have to explain what they are doing wrong and how to do it right.

There are shortcuts though. You can yell at them. That's a lot easier than sitting them down and having a real talk about where their heart is.

Better yet, why not let someone else do the dirty work? Toss them off on the church and a school and let those institutions carry the load of responsibility for the child’s nurture.

Discipleship is a long game. Getting godly children means investing time. Hours and hours of exhausting time. Teaching, rebuking, correcting, training. Then you wake up and have to do it all over again the next day… and the next day, and the next day. And on and on it goes for at least 18 years. It's agonizing, not to mention expensive.

Shortcuts are attractive. That's because there's so much draw. Satan likes to dangle this carrot in front of us. He likes to plant that dissatisfaction in our hearts and make us want something better; something easier.

It was the same scheme with which Satan enticed Jesus. "Look at the kingdoms of the earth. You can have them all if you only bow down and worship me."

Isn’t that attractive? There was a shortcut. It meant victory without any cost. Lordship without any pain of suffering. Conquest without the weary, dreary way of the cross.

Jesus faced the same temptation that Eve did. He is able to sympathize with us in our weakness because he knows what it is like to be in our shoes. The only difference was that his temptation was a million times more enticing because the stakes were much higher.

Yet real Lordship would only come through God’s appointed means. Procuring salvation meant suffering. Eternal gain necessitated dire pain.

Which leads to the great mystery of salvation. Oddly enough, when it comes to being right with God and gaining eternal life, everything turns on its head. The easy way becomes the last thing people typically want to do.

The Lord has provided the easiest possible way to gain eternal life. All he requires is faith in Jesus Christ, who died on your behalf. It's actually the shortest possible cut for the most important possible thing. All you have to do to avoid hell and damnation is believe. Trust in Christ, who has done the hard work on your behalf, and you will be saved.

In the greatest twist of irony, this simple road is oft neglected. So many people rather take the longest, hardest, most impossible route of trying to please God with their own works. This, despite the fact that all our efforts fail miserably to achieve any kind of merit with God. Instead of confessing and forsaking their guilt (which is incredibly easy), they bear the weight of it in their souls to the grave.

Nevertheless, the good news is that God has appointed a way to life and salvation, and the way is simple. When we place our faith in him all of his deliverance is brought into our lives. In Christ we will find ourselves starting to demur from the shortcuts. We will find ourselves delighting in the other paths of life he has laid out, even in their difficulty.

Transform Your Sunday Evenings
Join us on Sunday evenings starting January 8th for our study of “Transformed.” You will have opportunity to be a fly on the wall as you witness real counseling sessions, tackling issues like OCD, anxiety, depression, phobias, and trauma. Singing, prayer, and teaching begins at 6pm.

How to Deal with Anxiety
God has given us answers to all of life's problems.  If you struggle with worry or suffer from anxiety, you can gain victory over it through the guidance that is found in God's Word.  In this video Lou Priolo unfolds how to Biblically understand this difficulty and gain deliverance from it.

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3:14

AIM TO BECOME MORE HOLY & SERVICABLE
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​We are not people who fear change; we welcome it, we seek it, we pursue it. That’s why I hope you set some goals for the new year.

There’s no better time to think about sanctification than at the head of a new year. “New Year, New You” is not a worn out cliché. It expresses the kind of zeal we as Christians should be embracing.

The Christian who is not interested in change is not a Christian. The church that cherishes the status quo is a dying or dead church. God calls us to develop, grow, advance, mature, study, and improve. If we are adverse to it, we are adverse to God and his will for our lives.

In 2022 you were a great sinner. So there’s plenty of room for improvement in 2023.

In one of his books Jerry Bridges talks about how churches can arrive at and expect a certain level of spiritual maturity. When a new family comes into the church, they quickly realize (consciously or not) that they need to “fit in.” No doubt they grow, but they only grow to the level that has been defined by the rest of the church body. There is not an expectancy of bursting through that ceiling.

May such a thing never be said of us. Instead, may we “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Heb. 10:24).

That, of course, begins with you. How will you grow? How will you influence the overall advancement of the entire church body? How will you help take us bust through the ceiling and achieve the next level of corporate holiness?

You will do it by some honest self-reflection and goal setting.

​Sure, new years resolutions are often broken in the first month and people will avoid making them because of how easily they fizzle out. But that just means you need to make it your goal to become better at achieving your goals.

Remember that sloth is the sin of nothing. It is the failure to do what God wills due to the love of pleasure (i.e. the love of the pleasing feeling of the status quo).

Christ demands newness of life. His gospel calls for it. There should be change in your personal living so that you become more loving, tender, serviceable, compassionate, cheerful, kind, charitable, self-controlled, and considerate.

What kind of goals should you be making? Think about the different areas of life where you can make some solid steps. There are personal goals, occupational goals, family goals, academic/intellectual goals, fitness goals, devotional goals, attitudinal goals.

Transform Your Sunday Evenings
Join us on Sunday evenings starting January 8th for our study of “Transformed.” You will have opportunity to be a fly on the wall as you witness real Biblical counseling sessions, tackling issues like OCD, anxiety, depression, phobias, and trauma. Singing, prayer, and teaching begins at 6pm.

FAMILY OF THE WEEK

ETHAN & HANNAH

Sundays 10:30 & 6

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life."

Proverbs 13:12

Money, Wealth, & Christian Living

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The Kingdom Impact of Saving & Investing
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Do me a favor: Stop reading this and take a few minutes and play with the Compound Interest Calculator. 

Just plug some numbers in and see what happens.  Maybe make an initial investment of $3000 - $5000.  Use 5 or 6% for an annual interest rate.  It's a not-too-shabby average for stock market investments. 

Now play with the rest of the numbers.  Invest $100, $250, and $400 a month for 30, 40, and 50 years.

Did you see what happened?  Were you surprised?  It's true; the end results can be pretty amazing.

If you start investing a little bit of your paycheck at just 25 years old (or you start investing on behalf of your children when they are born), you can rack up a lot of money by the time you retire.  That's the beauty of time, discretion, discipline, and this beautiful little thing we call compound interest (i.e. earning interest on the interest from your investments; check it out!).

Playing with that calculator might be a little more powerful than me saying, "the Bible encourages us to save money for the future."  If anything, it is a lot of fun to see how that chart seems to blow up towards the later decades.

Of course, the Word of God is powerful and active, and there are plenty of Bible verses that express the wisdom of saving:

The wise see danger ahead and avoid it (like old age!), but fools keep going and get into trouble. Prov. 22:3

Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.  Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread pin summer and gathers her food in harvest.  Prov. 6:6-8

Granted, it isn't appropriate to say that saving is explicitly commanded in the Bible.  After all, some people are extremely poor and simply can't save much of anything.  But for most Americans, it is not only possible, it is wise.

Saving not only shows your heart is not consumed with consuming, it also shows that you are looking to build safeguards and opportunities for the future. 

For instance, if you loose your job, you don't have to panic if you've been wisely putting money aside.  You will have a little in the wing to tie you over until the Lord provides that new means of income.

When you reach an elderly state and cannot work, if you have wisely invested, you will not become a financial burden for your children and grandchildren.  Instead, you can become a blessing by "leaving an inheritance for your children's children" (Prov. 12:33).

What's more, godly investing can become an asset to the kingdom.  Go back to the Compound Interest Calculator.  Plug in your numbers again.  This time use 100 years. Can you guess what you might turn up?

Investing $400 a month for a century equates to over 14 million dollars.  

That number is staggering.  Not only would your forthcoming generations not have to worry about buying insurance (and probably have some pretty cool vacations!), you could single handedly turn the world for Christ. 

Just imagine how many missionaries could be supported, how many churches could be planted, how many places of worship could be built, and how many Bibles could be distributed all over the world.

Such things do not come overnight though, and they certainly do not come to the one who greedily lives for this moment.  One must be disciplined to be penny-wise and have a vision for the future. 

Indeed, it doesn't take a great amount of money.  It may only be a small fraction of your income that is needed.  But we should not doubt that the Lord can do great things with time, discipline, and wisdom.

FAMILY OF THE WEEK FOR PRAYER

Kirt & Stacy Bachman

Join us for Lunch! 
This Lord's Day we will enjoy a time of extended fellowship after worship.  We'd love for you to pull up a chair and join us for a great lunch while we do.  Families are asked to bring a side and/or a dessert; the church will provide a main course, drink, and place settings.

"The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it."

Proverbs 10:22

Money, Wealth, & Christian Living
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Money is God's Blessing & God's Tool
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Here are some radical statements for you to gnaw on:

1)  God wants you to make money.  2) God wants to bless you with money.  And the most radical statement of all: 3) God wouldn't mind making you incredibly wealthy.

I'm prepared to get some emails voicing some objection for my having made those statements.  Many evangelical people see such things as going against the Bible's proscribed piety.  We often think that money (especially increasing loads of it) is somehow anti-Christian.  Real piety is just having enough, so it is thought.

As mentioned in our previous issue, money is a tool.  It is one of God's means for promoting his aims, kingdom, and glory.  So the more money the Lord blesses us with, the more we can invest in his purposes in this world.  As a result, the more benefit can return to Him.

Think of it this way:  Faith comes by hearing, and hearing the word of God.  In order for people to come to faith, there needs to be ministers out there preaching and calling people to repentance.  But that minister needs to eat too.  He needs to be supported.  A direct link exists between the work of evangelism and the finances that make it possible.  So, from whence will those funds come?

It's obviously from the support of God's people.  And, if more of God's people are wealthy, they can be more apt to support more missionaries who will disciple the nations.

To be sure, there are cautions and warnings about the pitfalls of money.  Wealth can be dangerous.  People can be tempted to find security in it, make a god out of it, or use it for means the Lord never intended (such as excessive pleasure, exorbitant luxury, oppression, etc.).

Those vices should be guarded against, but they do not impede the fact that the Lord wants to you to have money, wants to bless you with money, and wouldn't mind making you incredibly rich.

In the Old Testament (Deut. 28) the Lord talked about the blessings that would come to the nation if they walked in his ways.  Many of those blessings were expressive of financial gain: 

Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your cattle, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock.  Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. Deut. 28:3-5

That's pretty much Moses' way of saying that the Israelites would be living large.  Of course, he wouldn't say that they would be living 'high off the hog' for matters of cleanliness, but the idea is certainly there.

We know that the Proverbs do not make blanket promises, but these sayings do typically describe the normal way the world operates under normal circumstances. So it is no surprise that Solomon says, “Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10

The point is clear:  Honor God and he will bless you with an increased economic standing.

More Scriptures could be cited (Deut. 8:18, Proverbs 21:5, 10:22, Lk 6:38 to name a few), but the point is all the same: God wants you to make money, wants to bless you with money, and wouldn't mind making you incredibly wealthy.

Obviously, there is more to say about wealth and God’s intentions regarding it.  A. LOT. more.  Certainly, how to gain it it is one place to start, which (Lord willing) we will do next time.  But here again we must acknowledge what a right view of money consists of.  

Wealth is a tool.  Specifically, it is God’s tool.  It is not my tool or a tool for my own aims and desires.  It is a means God uses to sustain his people, grow his kingdom, bless the earth, and increase his glory.  Being that it is a tool that he intends for such ends, the Lord wants you to make money, wants to bless you with it, and wouldn’t mind making you rich with it.

How does he do that?  Let's find out in our next Hopewell Weekly.

This article is part of a series of messages on a Biblical view of money.  Be sure to read parts one & two.

TITUS ALEXANDER
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Family of the Week for Prayer

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Join us in the Word of God
We want you to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Join us on Sunday morning (10:30 am) as we examine the Book of Ephesians and Sunday evening (6pm) as we walk through the gospel of Matthew. 

​"To be or not to be," for many people who profess to follow Christ, that is the question when it comes to membership in a local church.

Years ago a group of elders asked me to create a list of reasons why it was important for a Christian to be a member of a particular, local church. The church had many regular visitors who professed to follow Christ but were reluctant to fully assimilate into their fellowship. The elders wanted to urge them to make this move so they asked me to create a list of reasons that they could use to present to their "surrogate sheep."

The following material lays out the list of Biblical reasons that I came up with at that time and addresses some of the common objections to church membership.

The Biblical Mandate
As with all things, one must make their decision on whether or not to join a particular church based on what the Bible says. Certainly I will admit that there is no one verse that says, "And Jesus said, 'Make sure you become a member of a local church.'" But neither is there a verse like this regarding the doctrine of the Trinity. Like the Trinity, we must consider the whole of Scripture's teaching and the logical implications of specific verses.

In looking at the Scripture we see that we should become members of a local church for at least four reasons.

I. To be associated with Christ and his people.
In the Old Testament those who wished to be associated with Yaweh became members of the nation of Israel. Gentiles who were converted made their affiliation undeniably clear by coming to dwell alongside the rest of the children of God. In the New Testament the people who wish to be associated with God become members of the Church. A convert visibly identifies himself with those who are a part of Christ's visible body.

The Bible also makes it clear too that Christians, from the very beginning, became members of particular churches to make this reality visible. Oftentimes these churches met in certain people's homes (Acts 18:7; Gal. 1:2; Col. 4:15; Philemon 2; Rom. 16:3-5; Extensive archaeological evidence also points to the fact that there would be many of these individual churches in various metropolitan cities).

There is a very important reason for this visible affiliation too. In order to partake of the full benefits of God (as will be enumerated below), there must be a way of identifying those who are a part of that family. Publicly professing one's faith in Christ through membership is the means to that end.

The Bible also says you are saved if you "Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that He rose from the dead" (Rom. 10:9-11). While believing in the heart is an individual matter, confessing with your mouth is a corporate matter. It is a public declaration that is witnessed by God, his people, and the unbelieving world. While one can certainly make this confession each day in the market place, it is ultimately made within the context of a church body. This, of course, is the nature of a vow. One stands before God and his people and says, "I take Jesus as my God."

Of course, a confession with one's mouth must be backed up by one's life. One could easily confess that he is a police officer. But if he does not belong to a specific police department or precinct, his confession is meaningless. So too a Christian must not only confess with one's mouth, but he also must back up his confession by formally aligning himself with those who are distinctively Christ's people.

II. To come under the care and authority of the elders
Christ has charged certain men with the duty of shepherding and protecting His flock (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2). Correspondingly, the Bible requires Christians to submit themselves to these authorities because they are the means by which Christ manifests His care (1 Peter 5:5). The only way to fulfill these obligations is through a particular church where those elders can have people to govern and lead.

As well, the term "church" in the original language means "called out ones." This denotes the Christian's duty of holiness. The elders and church body provide the means of encouragement and accountability in this endeavor.

III. To take part in the sacraments
Baptism and the Lord's Supper are for those who have made a credible profession of faith. The Table of the Lord is for those who demonstrate a life of repentance and are in good standing with the Lord (1 Cor. 11:27-32). As the elders help to determine who is in good standing it is necessary to be under their charge in order to partake of the elements.

Likewise, elders are in charge of determining who may undergo the rite of baptism and seeing to it that it is rightfully administered (1 Cor. 4:1). Moreover, as baptism is a sign of entrance into Christ's Church (capital "C" meaning universal church), it is also the sign of entrance into the local covenant community.

IV. To be united in full fellowship with the brethren in Christ and enjoy all the rights and privileges of the church
The local church supplies the grounds for the healthy, necessary, and rightful expression of...

1.  One's gifts for the mutual edification of the body (1 Cor. 12:12f); If one is not united to a local body, it makes it hard to contribute to the welfare of Christ's overall church. The local church provides the context for the full use of one's gifts.

2.  Mutual care, encouragement, joy and love for the spiritual family members (Gal. 6:2, 1 Cor. 16:1f, 1 Thes. 4:18, Jn. 13:34-35). While someone may contribute to some degree to the welfare of the wider body of Christ without being united to a particular body, he cannot fulfill this obligation to the degree that they are called upon to do so with out it. It is as you are with a local body on a regular basis that you come to know people's problems intimately and grow in concern for those people. The Lord also commands us to give financially to the Lord and His work. The local church provides the proper place for such an act. Pastors can then be paid, deacons can have the means to provide for the welfare of those in need, and missionaries can be supported.

3.  Aid in the mission of the church in its witness to the world (Phil. 1:5; Matt 28:19-20). In order to accomplish the church's mission the church needs organization of people, resources and efforts. If people neglect membership, then its task is hindered.

Along these lines too is the Christian's duty to participate in the election of officers, calling of pastors, and other administrations of the church (e.g. budgets). Voting in the church can only be done in and through membership. Appeals and complaints can best be facilitated through membership too (no one is going to listen to someone gripe about the church if he is not a member of that church).

 While the Bible is clear about the how important it is to become an active member in a local church, many people still object to the practice. Since so many objections exist, it may be important to address some of them.

Objections to Church Membership
​
I. Churches are muddled theologically
  It is true that all churches contain a mixture of truth and error. Some are so corrupt that they have ceased to be true churches of Christ and have become synagogues of Satan (Rev. 3:9). But that the fact that there is some theological imperfection is not a reason to avoid membership in a church that at the very least holds to the central elements of the gospel.

That theological impurities exist in the church actually serves as an argument for church membership. The way to combat this imperfection is to become a member and do one's part to teach and work for the greater purity of that church. Standing outside of it does nothing to move it any closer to Scriptural fidelity. Rather it serves to increase the corruption as there is no one to stand against it.

II. Churches are full of corrupt people and practices
Jesus said that he came not for the healthy, but for the sick. As well, he told us that the church would be a mixture of wheat and tares. For that reason it should be obvious that the church will be chuck full of sinners, both who are redeemed and unredeemed. But this should not stop us from being a part of a church.

Rather, as stated above, the fact that there are sinners in the church should be an argument for membership. It is through the local church that one can work for purity through the exercise of church discipline. Certainly excommunication requires the ability to cast someone out of the church. That can only occur through if there are churches to be cast out of. (Of course, the one cast out can claim to be a Christian, but outside the official affiliation with a local church, his words are void of meaning).

III. "I'm a part of the universal /invisible Church"
This is one of the most popular objections, and it is one that I used myself when I was in the non-committal camp. But as was stated above regarding the OT converts joining Israel, the invisible/universal church is supposed to be visible to some degree. As one has stated, "The invisible Church presently manifests herself in visible congregations of professing believers."

This is why the Apostle Paul commended Phoebe to the church in Rome (Rom. 16:1-2). It wasn't enough for Phoebe to be a random Christian in Rome going around claiming to be a part of the universal church. Paul wanted her to be received into a particular house church in that city. He wanted her to make visible the invisible reality.

Another refutation of this objection comes from a pastor I once overheard on the radio (sorry, I can't remember who it was). He was talking about this very thing and he gave an example of a personal encounter he had with someone who said that they were a part of the invisible church. His reply went like this, "O that's great! I'm sure that when you are sick or on your deathbed it will be comforting when your invisible pastor comes to call on you to comfort you."

I know that I sounded pious when I used such high theological language regarding my membership in the invisible and universal church. But in all reality, it was a theological platitude born out of ignorance of the Scriptures.

IV. Jesus doesn't believe in denominations.
Yes, there is a church on every street corner, and they are all completely different churches (the Baptist, the Reformed, the Presbyterian, the Methodist the Anglican, the Independent; the Non-Denominational etc. etc. etc.!). When one looks at all the varied assortment of churches one can easily become disillusioned and say, "Doesn't the Bible say we are not to have factions, and doesn't Paul rebuke the Corinthians for saying, "I am of Apollos' and 'I am of Paul.' (1 Cor. 3:4f)

First, let me say this: Those who typically refrain from attending and joining a church for this reason actually refute themselves. Choosing to go your own way and have church in your own little manner only makes the faction all the more worse (I am of me!). Certainly this is not the cure as it does not do anything to bring anyone closer together.

Next, we need to dispel a myth. People who use this argument often think that organizational unity is Biblical unity. We can just look at the Catholic church for an example of this. The Catholic church claims superiority over the Protestant churches because it has its "oneness" in tact and the Protestant churches are manifold. But a quick look at the church will reveal that though the Catholic churches have the same name, they are hardly unified. It may be said that the unity of the Catholic church is in name only. Theologically they might have one official catechism, but its priests are not altogether united on it.

Even so, erasing the names of Protestant churches does nothing to heal the differences between us. I'm still going to baptize my babies and believe in predestination, and my Baptist brother will still do the opposite.

So what do we make of denominations? First let us remember that we Protestants confess that there is "one, holy catholic church." Yes, ONE! Though we go by different tags and differ at some points, we still all belong to Christ. Our unity is not so much to be thought of structurally as it is spiritually. Though we hold distinct practices and areas of belief, we are united together under the headship of Christ through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit and upon the fundamental truths of the gospel.

The other day I, a hard core Presbyterian, was sitting in at at Brethren church here in town watching a video with a Baptist minister presenting. It was great! None of our churches would hire any of the other pastors due to our doctrinal distinctives. But despite all of our differences, we are all brothers in Christ united together on the most essential things of God.

The second thing we need to remember is that denominations are healthy in that they help keep some semblance of the unity and connectional nature of the church. The Bible displays a church that is united. The house churches were individual churches, but they were united to the church in their region (e.g. the church in Rome, the church in Asia Minor, etc.). Then all the regional churches are united as one (Acts 15). Though denominations are separate entities, they do help to preserve the this biblical unity to some degree. Those who avoid such structure, again, just add to the disunity.

The third point is that denominations are bound to creep up because we are still ignorant sinners! While we agree on the essentials of the gospel, we so frequently err when we go beyond that.

What I'm saying is that denominations, like wars, are "necessary evils." We would all agree that war is evil. It stems from sin and involves needless death and evil. But sometimes war is necessary to protect life and preserve peace. Likewise, denominational factions are wrong. They are a result of brothers not being able to agree on the Scripture's teaching. But they are evils that help Christians stay united to some degree and live under Christ the Supreme Head of the Church.

"We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."

2 Corinthians 10:5

By What Standard?
​
. . .

Christians Have the Only True Moral Authority

​This past week I had the chance to attend the Ashland Public Library meeting regarding the overly sexualized and perverted materials they have been making available to children.  A handful of people supporting the the library and its materials were also in attendance.  

So I figured I would try to engage in a little conversation and do some apologetics.  Perhaps I would have an opportunity to point them to Christ. If not, at least I could expose the folly of their unbelief.

As Christians, we are called to cast down every lofty thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of Christ.  Scripture also says we are to "rebuke a fool according to his folly."  These passages remind us that no unbelieving worldview can stand when properly pressed.  The unbeliever can be "rebuked" if we simply take his own worldview and expose its "folly" (i.e. lack of foundation and coherence).

The greatest part about it all is that it is not all that difficult to do.  

The unbeliever will make various moral claims.  He will say something like, "____ is wrong."  He can fill in the blank with anything: abortion, fixed gender beliefs, etc.  He can even fill in the blank with things with which we as Christians can agree: murder is wrong, stealing is wrong, etc.

The point is that the unbeliever makes moral claims.  However, being that he rejects the Bible, he does not have an absolute basis for his claims.  He cannot justify those claims because he does not recognize God's law as the foundation for his belief.

Let's be clear.  It's not that the unbeliever cannot make moral decisions.  Neither is it that he does not make some good moral choices.  He most certainly can (and does).  The fact under scrutiny is that he cannot give adequate justification for these claims.  If he rejects God's law, he has no absolute standard upon which to found his beliefs. 

If it is not based in God, his choices will somehow be based in man.  As such, his morality will not be from an absolute, universal standard.  Therefore, it will lack any kind of real authority. 

It may seem a little childish, but it all comes down to one simple question:  Says who?  

At the library meeting I asked a young lady who was in favor of the books what the basis for her support for the books was.  She initially pointed to the library staff.  She said that they were highly educated and trained in child development.  Since they had these qualifications, she said we could trust such people.

We might first question the consistency of this standard:  Has not history shown us that "highly educated people" have banned lots of books (like Lord of the Flies).  If highly educated people can be so fickle, why should we trust them?

Furthermore, we might also ask about what constitutes a highly educated person?  Or, better yet, which highly educated people should we trust (conservatives with Ph.D.'s or liberals with Ph.D.'s)?  This answer simply requires another standard to determine who might be a "highly educated person?" 

But we might also ask a more specific question: Who says that we should trust highly educated people?  Experts and educated people have been wrong innumerable times in the past.  How can I trust them now?  And who is to say that more simple, uneducated people are not more trustworthy? 

After just a question or two, this woman with whom I spoke quickly saw that her standard was lacking.  She began to shift gears and attempt to use a different standard.  She said she as a parent could decide what was best for her children.

Unfortunately, the meeting began and I couldn't show her that her new standard was just as foolhardy.  While I appreciate the role of parents, this woman now pointed to herself rather than educated people as her standard.  To which we can say, "Is what is good defined by each individual?"

This standard quickly reduces to absurdity because no one really believes this.  If Person A says murder is right and good, Person A can take Person B's life.  But I'm betting Person B is not okay with that. 

But who is to say that Person A is wrong?  It's up to the individual now, right?

What is being illustrated is the simple fact that the only absolute standard for judging what is right and wrong is God's law.  God alone is the Lawgiver and His standard is the only one which gives an adequate basis for determining right and wrong.

Best of all, we can use this fact to expose the folly of unbelief.  We can show the world their need for Christ because he alone provides the adequate standard for life and faith.  

Simply asking, with a spirit of kindness, "Who says?" or "What exactly is the basis for your making this moral claim?" can be all that is necessary.

Let's Pray!
One of the best possible ways to ensure that our church stays strong and is protected against the Evil one is through our combined prayers.  Join us each week as we lift up our individual families, asking the Lord to protect, sanctify, and nurture each and every one. 

__________________

THE ALEXANDER FAMILY
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Guy Stuff: Download & Go
Got some treadmill time, fellas?  How about a 20 min trek to work?  Load up your mobile device with the audio version of Kent Hughes Disciplines of a Godly Man.  Be edified and challenged in your walk with Christ on being a true man of God.

​"For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach."

Titus 1:7

Biblical Leadership

...

What Matters Most
 
This is part two in a series on the office of elder.  Find part one here.

In his book The Leadership Dynamic, Harry Reeder points out that a good, biblical leader will have three basic qualities: character, content, and competence.

What’s important to note is that the first is the most vital. 

Most leadership books will focus on competence, as if that is the most essential quality.  They devote page after page to practical tips, strategies, and goals for ministry success.  This is unfortunate as competency is the easiest trait to gain and (more importantly) the least significant of all the attributes of a leader.

Congregations often place the greatest weight on competency too.  They may seek to vote for someone who comes across as eloquent, persuasive, and “able to get things done.”  

While we don’t want to downplay competency, we recognize that someone can grow into the position over time.  They can develop the skills and gain a proficiency in the duties of shepherding through practice and expedience. 

As a matter of fact, some of the best shepherds I’ve seen were blue collar men who simply took their responsibility before God seriously.  Despite having a shaky start, they quickly learned to make calls, pay visits, give counsel, and offer prayers on behalf of the congregation.

We recognize that competence is needed, but we should keep in mind that it is not necessarily the principle asset a leader must possess out of the gates.

What is most fundamental to biblical leadership is character.  Scripture underlines this expressly.  As Paul lays out the qualifications of a leader, he doesn’t set out a resume of accomplishments.  He points to issues of spiritual maturity:

“An overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well.”  

Character is key because character is what leadership is all about.  An elder’s job is to lead the congregation into greater holiness. 

We must recognize that the elder's primary job is not to make the church grow numerically or develop tactics to better reach the community.  Those things may happen and may be very good.  Nevertheless, they are not the main responsibilities of a church officer.  His role is to nurture the people in their obedience to God.  That is why he himself must excel in godliness.

Content is another central attribute of a biblical leader, and that will be taken up more fully in our next issue.  However, it is safe to say though that there is a direct connection between character and content.  This leader is spiritually mature because he is highly familiar with the content of the Bible.  He has grown in faith and love because he has meditated upon the law of God and become saturated with it.  

So character is key.  We are not looking for someone who will “take Hopewell to the next level” of ministerial effectiveness.  We are looking for a shepherd; a man who has an obvious concern for biblical fidelity, be it for himself, his family, and the rest of the congregation.

Change of Worship Venue
​July 15-17th the Hopewell crew will be spending the weekend at Camp Conger, just north of Willard, Ohio.  Please note that our regularly scheduled worship service will take place at the camp that Sunday.  Please plan to join us at 10:30 am for worship and for lunch following.

Need Help?  Counsel is Available
The Word of God is sufficient to deal with all of life's problems.  Whether it is anger, addiction, relationships, depression, or conflict, any problem can find its solution in the Truth God has revealed.  Ask to set up a free and confidencial appointment today.

"I exhort the elders among you... shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight."

1 Peter 5:1-2

Biblical Leadership
...

The Office of Elder, Pastor, Overseer
​

In the coming weeks we at Hopewell will be going through the process of adding another elder or two to our leadership.  So now is a good time to think about what exactly that office entails.  And the best way to begin is by looking at the names these leaders take in the New Testament

ELDER -  The Greek word for "elder” is presbuteros, from which we get our word "Presbyterian."  There is a sense in which you can say that Hopewell is a Presbyterian church.  While not a part of a Presbyterian denomination, we are governed by a plurality of elders.

In the Bible the word elder carries with it the idea of headship or decision maker.  The book of Numbers records the heads of the households and tribes were called elders.  They governed the people by making decisions and passing judgment in the courts.  They were apt to do so because their years of experience and learning. 

Thus, the word elder has to do with maturity.  An elder is one who has grown deeply in God's Word and is able to apply it to his own life and the lives of the people under his care.

So when you think of an elder, don’t merely think of someone who is advanced in years. Take it as being advanced in wisdom.  An elder should be a man you can trust to make righteous and godly decisions.

OVERSEER  -  The Greek word for overseer is episkopos, which can also mean bishop.  This is where we get the word “Episcopalian."  An Episcopalian church is one that is ruled by bishops.

But in the NT the word bishop/overseer is essentially interchangeable with the word elder.  The difference lies in that the word overseer speaks more of the function of an elder.  His duty is that of oversight.

In essence, the overseer is a watchman, a protector, and/or a guardian.  His job is to watch over the lives of the people under his care, making sure that they are walking in obedience.  When he sees unruly conduct, he must step in to correct it, discipline, or provide proper direction so that order is restored.  

"Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers."  Acts 20:28

SHEPHERD  -  I often will say that I am not the only pastor at Hopewell.  We actually have several men who serve as pastors.  For Scripture makes clear that every elder is a pastor, i.e. a shepherd.

Acts 20:28 says that the overseers are to “to care for the church of God.”  The word for care is poiemon, which is also the word we translate as shepherd.  Similarly, 1 Peter 5:2 says that the elders are to “shepherd the flock of God” as Christ’s under-shepherds.

If the word overseer has to do with the work of the elder, shepherd had to do with the way the elder does that work.  It expresses the tenderness and care with which he executes his duties.  

An elder is supposed to have a shepherd's heart.  That means he is to have a special affection for the people of God.  His desire is to lead by providing pastoral care through prayer and counsel.  He might discipline id the need arises, and he will certainly go to great lengths to rescue those who may end up going astray. 

Sheep can often be skittish animals.  A little disruption can make them jumpy and put them on the defensive.  So you can’t have a shepherd who comes into the sheep pen and says, “Hey you sheep!  Get over here!  Let’s go!  We’re going to go get some grass!”  If the shepherd was that gruff, the sheep would cower in the corner of the pen.  

The shepherd of God’s sheep must act in a similar way.  He must show a tender-loving care with the people under his charge and desire to provide the care they need in order to live the kind of life God intends.

As we at Hopewell begin to think about what leader(s) the Lord may be raising up, we should begin by thinking in these categories.  We do not simply want businessmen or CEO's to head up Hopewell.  Neither do we want dictators who simply get their way or weaklings who simply follow the whims of the people.

Rather, we want men who are steeped in God's Word and able to apply it.  We want men who will take their duties as overseers seriously, to make sure the church is pure and holy.  More than anything, we want men who possess Christ's heart and will shepherd the flock through Biblical pastoral care.

Hopewell Campout - 2022 
July 15-17th the Hopewell crew will be spending the weekend at Camp Conger, just north of Willard, Ohio.  Please note that our regularly scheduled worship service will take place at the camp that Sunday.  Please plan to join us at 10:30 am for worship and for lunch following.

​

Growing at Hopewell
Is your child ready to publicly profess his/her faith and begin to participate in the Lord's Supper?  We would love to talk with you about it.  Or, if you would like to learn more about what our leadership expects from our young people, you can check out our pamphlet on "Basic Faith."

​As we discuss sex and sexuality, it is important to highlight one of the latest developments in the sexuality discussion. It is what is called "Side B" Christianity.

Side B requires some attention not only because it is a growing phenomenon, but because it is one that is becoming prominent within conservative, evangelical circles.  It is not just "out there" among liberals or secular types, it is fostered in places that would be akin to churches like ours or in a college where we might send our kids.

The idea behind Side B is that people can identify as LGBTQ, but, because of their sexual orientation, they must remain celibate.  They abstain because they recognize that Scripture teaches that sex and marriage are designed by God to be between one man and one woman. 

Side B stands over and against Side A, which says that same sex attracted people can marry and have sexual relations.  Side A would be what we are used to when we think of the LGBTQ agenda. Side B is a little more tame.  Some might even label it a more conservative approach to the LGBTQ issue.

While we can commend the Side B adherents for recognizing that that homosexual acts and homosexual marriage are contrary to the Bible, we also must confess that they do not go far enough in their criticism.  For they fail to understand the nature of Christian identity, the fall, and progressive sanctification.

First, the Side B fails to understand the nature of Christian identity.  A Christian's identity is never to be in their fallenness or their sin.  As a Christian, I would not be right in saying that I am a Christian Alcoholic or Christian Podophile.  The two terms would be an oxymoron. 

Once I am in Christ, my identify is to be found in Him.  Sin has been dethroned and no longer has dominion over me.  While I may struggle with addiction or sinful tendencies, it is not biblical to legitimize my sin by saying, "this is who I am."

Secondly, Side B fails to grasp the nature of the fall.  In Adam, we lost our original righteousness and became filled with the corruption of sin.  However, we are still created in male and female with a divinely designed sexual orientation.

Side B proponents say that they are not culpable for their homosexual orientation because it is part of their personhood.  Sin, in their view, is only found in the explicit acts of homosexuality, not the orientation itself.  To put it another way, their homosexuality is seen to be part of who they are.  Thus, they would say that their homosexuality is not wrong at the level of desire because it is part of their sexuality.   

Yet Scripture teaches that these feelings and tendencies are part of our desires, not our person.  Just as one's feelings of anger or lust must be crucified and replaced with patience or chaste thoughts, so too must grace be brought to bear on one's homosexual inclinations.  Thus, there is no countenancing one's homosexual orientation.  It is sinful and should be repudiated through the power of the gospel.

Which leads to the third realm, that of progressive sanctification.  The gospel promises life and redemption.  There is no area of the fall that it does not bring hope and restoration.  Paul said that where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more (Rom. 5:20).

For Side B, they would say that there is no need for sanctification in this area, other than maintaining a life of abstinence.  For again, the orientation (in their view) is not wrong.

In contrast, Scripture tells us that we must align ourselves with the standard it sets forth.  Thus, we must not identify with a homosexual orientation.  We must identify with a heterosexual orientation and seek to conform our lives to a heterosexual lifestyle as God intends.

We recognize that this may be a struggle and one may have to fight with diligence against their sinful desires.  But that is where the hope of the gospel plays its part.  We recognize that the Holy Spirit can bring about the necessary change.  He has, after all, "given us everything we need for life and godliness" (2 Pet 1:3).

Though the battle be long and difficult, one can say, "This is who God made me to be.  I will claim this identity for myself and strive with all my soul to conform to it."  That is the nature of progressive sanctification.

To be sure, this short space is not enough to fully cover the topic of Side B.  Much more could be said about what it is and how it fails to measure up to the Biblical standard.  Yet it is enough here to simply recognize that Side B can have a great allure in our present day.  With our culture awash in an anti-Christian sexual ethic, the church will be tempted to syncretize in some way on the issue.  

With its growing allurement, it is at least good to have a small introduction to it.  That we can have it on our radar and express some discernment should we ever exposed to it.

This is part four of a series on sex and sexuality.  Be sure to view part one, part two, & part three.

Hopewell Campout - 2022 
It's coming!  Be sure to reserve July 15-17th for the annual Hopewell Campout.  It's the summer's best weekend, filled with fellowship and fun.  A registration will be sent out soon.  However, you can click the button below to get the general information.​

Let's Do Discipleship
Interested in growth opportunities?  If you desire to learn, teach, lead, or host a study in your home, please let us know.  We can try and make that happen!

LGBTQ & Heart Issues

This is part two of a series on sex and sexuality.  Be sure to view part one.

The Word of God tells us that any kind of sexual identity or activity outside of one man and one woman united in marriage is wrong.  While this is true, we would be remiss if we did not probe into the deeper realities behind these misbehaviors.

We could easily write such people off as "desperately lost" or "perverts." Indeed, much of the world today is guilty of doing this very thing.  Many Christians have taken such a stance and, as a result, have had a condemning posture which shuts down opportunities that God would otherwise open.

To be sure, the vileness of these acts is most concerning and Scripture does apply a greater degree of wickedness to them.  We do not wish to soften the nature of these sins or make light of what God takes seriously.

Nevertheless, we want to examine the heart.  It is important to see that there are genuine internal realities that give rise to the outward failure. 

More importantly, when we consider these heart realities, someone who may be caught up in the LGBTQ lifestyle will likely become more human to us.  They will not be a meme stereotype.  Rather they may be seen as a fellow sinner who is ultimately searching for the Lord (whether they realize it or not).

Pastor and college/seminary professor, Kevin Carson, has counseled people through their sexual deviancy and helped them to gain the newness of life that the Lord gives.  His teaching has provided a spiritual x-ray which gives us some clarity on the common heart issues pertaining to such people.  When we consider them, we understand that we as Christians do have what the world needs.

1.  A longing for relationship:
We must remember that issues pertaining to sex and sexuality stem from our desire to have meaningful companionship.  God created us to relate to one another and companionship is the heart of what God designed marriage and family to be.  After all, it was "not good for man to be alone."  Adam was created in such a way that he needed a friendship that the animals could not afford and the woman was created to fill that need.

Those who have aberrant sexual proclivities can often be seeking that greater and more meaningful companionship.  Perhaps early in life they had connections that fostered those types of bonds.  Maybe a same sex interest developed because they gained that sense of belonging through a close friendship that filled that "need."

The way it developed may differ from person to person, but this interest in deep connection is often one of the prime factors leading to sexual brokenness, just in the case of Rosaria Butterfield.  Her story not only points to the tight friendships that helped to foster her entrance into a homosexual lifestyle, but she testifies to how these relationships are fostered within the gay community itself.  It also points out that a solid Christian friend may be the very lifeline this person needs.

2.  The Love of Pleasure:
Closely associated with the longing for relationships is a penchant for pleasure.  This, of course, is an idol common to us all.  One who fantasizes and indulges his mind in lust for a woman bows at the same alter of someone who will not subdue his heart regarding his gay inclinations.

This love of pleasure is often why some who grow up in Christian families and in the church fall into this lifestyle.  They may think that God "wants them to be happy" (don't many churches preach this kind of message?).  Or, they may draw back from the church because the happiness that they are pursuing is in conflict with the feelings of guilt that they get when under Scriptural teaching on sexuality.

The truth is, however, that our happiness is not God's primary interest.  He is most concerned with our holiness.  The Apostle Paul characterized his spiritual life as a fight and a war against the flesh. 

While happiness can coexist with the Christian life, the only time it is truly guaranteed is in the world to come.  Until then, we are to pursue God's glory as the first and highest good in our lives.

3.  Craving Attention:
This category is akin to the first as well, but it does have a different slant.  Some people crave a relationship, where they have meaningful connection with others.  Others merely have a longing for attention.

In this respect, it is more of a selfish gratification.  They may like the attention of a same sex person or it may be that they claim to be bisexual because it gets them noticed by their circle of peers.  This later is common among young people, who are longing to fit in or are wanting to gain some kind of recognition.

This too, is a common condition of the human heart.  It is the same sinful mentality that lies behind immodesty, people pleasing, and a host of other behaviors that are merely attempting to attract the ever fleeting spotlight.

Yet this yearning is most fittingly satisfied in Christ alone, who has given us all the recognition we should ever desire.  He listens to us in prayer, speaks to us in his Word, and (most of all) died for us so that we might forever be in his loving presence.

4. A "Feelings-based" Orientation:
The story is common among LGBTQ affiliates that they had certain same sex feelings early on in life.  It may be as early as 5 or 6 years old, when (not surprisingly) we naturally begin thinking about relationships.  Later in childhood they have more feelings, perhaps pertaining to that companionship mentioned above.  

What is evident is that the person lives more by feelings rather than by faith.  Instead of having the determination to formulate his/her life according to the pattern of life God has laid down in Scripture, he/she allows his/her feelings to be the guide of life.  This is not overly surprising, of course, because all of our culture tells us to "follow our heart."

Rather than saying, "No, my feelings are wrong, I should do/think/feel this way," one allows their feelings to become habituated.  Thus they can say, "I've felt this way all my life."  Maybe they can even go so far as to say that they feel they were born this way.

What we need to understand is that we are not the composite of our feelings.  Our sexual feelings need to be disciplined and subjected to Christ, just as much as our feelings of anger, worry, or sadness.  Every aspect of our lives must conform to his Lordship.

5.  Discontent:
We all can identify with how powerful the "I don't like that; I want this" mentality can be.  It makes us push away from certain things and we determine to track down the item of our desire with fervor.

Discontent is quite prevalent among those struggling with sexual identity.  Chief among them is the dissatisfaction with God's design for relationships.  However, other dissatisfactions typically build towards that one, such as discontent with the level of companionship that the opposite sex has provided, discontent with the way one looks or feels, etc. 

The little nudges of discontent can eventually push one away from heterosexuality and be the lure that brings him/her into homosexuality.

These are by no means the only heart issues for those dealing with unbiblical sexual issues.  However, they are some of the most ubiquitous.  What's more, they show  us that the LGBTQ community is dealing with many of the same issues that we are.  Their outward workings of them may simply look quite different.

Of course, no one should be stereotyped.  We should never use these issues as a template to press someone into.  Rather, we should be aware that these may be some of the innerworkings of someone who we meet. 

What is important to learn is that the Lord is the answer that they are looking for.  Each of their heart's longings, just like ours, is filled in Him.

Free Ebook: The End Times
Easter gave us a glimpse into the future that God has in store for us.  Yet the Scripture has much more to say.  This ebooklet will help gain a greater understanding of the hope we as Christians have.

Thinking about Membership?
Are you wanting to be a part of the Hopewell gang and participate in all the rights and privileges of the saints of God?  We'd welcome the opportunity to speak to you about becoming a member.

Biblical Sexuality

Living for the Lord in a Canaanite Culture

​I am the Lord your God.
You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived, and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, to which I am bringing you. You shall not walk in their statutes. You shall follow my rules and keep my statutes and walk in them.
I am the Lord your God."

Leviticus 18:2-4

Our culture is obsessed with sex and sexuality, but, then again, so is the Bible.

Sex and sexuality are the lead headlines on virtually ever news outlet.  No streaming service would be complete if some LGBTQ+ scene, plot, or reference had not been inserted in each of its shows.  You can't even say hello to a stranger without fearing retaliation for not using their preferred pronoun.  

Yet, despite the obsession with these topics, our culture couldn't be more confused about them.  

In less than a week we've seen men taking over in women's sports, a man being regarded as the woman of the year, a woman supreme court nominee not knowing the definition of her own gender.  These were but a few of such stories spinning off the news reel.

This is where Scripture offers us good news.  Scripture doesn't play bashful when it comes to the issue of intimacy.  It also speaks profusely in its pages about human sexuality.  

One may say that the Scriptures are just as obsessed about the issues clogging our culture today.  The only difference is that the Bible speaks with authority and clarity, as well as frequency.

One must never forget that the Israelites lived in the sexual sloughs of Egypt and Canaan.  The early church grew up and blossomed in the midst of the decline of Rome, which was overly infatuated with eroticism. 

As a result, the Bible doesn't treat the issues as taboo.  God has let his voice be heard on the matter in order to deal with such a time as this.  

Whether it be temple prostitutes or an impassioned Shulammite, the Scriptures contain all the spirit informing, hormone inducing, eye raising, cheek blushing details we may need in order to gain understanding, enjoyment, and fulfillment in regards to our sex life.

So, despite feeling like we may be losing the culture war, we as Christians can be stout hearted and of good courage.  The answers our culture are looking for lie with us because we possess the truth regarding the human body and its divine design for intimacy.

We shall tackle some of these issues over the next few editions of the Hopewell Weekly.  For now, though, we can simply rejoice in the fact that "the Lord is our God."

Furthermore, we can affirm our calling to "not do as they do" in Egypt and Canaan.  We must follow the statues and rules of the Lord and walk in them, knowing that our purity will testify that the God we serve is himself the very embodiment of purity. 

We were blessed to have several of our young people profess faith and be baptized this past March.  May the grace of our God only continue to abound!

Good Friday Service 
Join us on Good Friday (April 15) as we meditate upon the seven last words of Christ from the cross and reflect upon his atoning work. The service, which will go from 6:30-7:30 pm, will consist of Scripture readings, music, and a brief meditation.

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The Spirituality of a Confessional Church

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering."
Hebrews 10:23

Hopewell is unique among churches in the Ashland area as we are a "confessional church."  This is the fourth article in a series which is examining what this means and why it is important. 
​Be sure to check out parts 1, 2, and 3.

 
Confessional churches are, shall we say, different.  Often there is a certain feel to them.  That's because the confessions typically create a unique culture.  As we come to this final article on the subject of a confessional church, it may be good to think about the vibe that is produced in the church as a result of subscribing to the confessions.

Here is a quick rundown of just a few of the characteristics that are common to confessional churches:

1. Vigorous, doctrinal preaching - The Confessions are, above anything else, a  high commitment to the Scriptures.  They summarize, what we "confess" to be true.  That usually plays out in the pulpit. 

The depth of faith contained in these doctrinal standards enriches the level of teaching that occurs from week to week.  Congregation members often gain a great deal of edification through the preaching of the Word and find it to be quite substantial for their souls. 

2. Solid Ministers of the Gospel / Leadership - One reason why the teaching ministry is such a blessing is because confessional churches expect a well trained minister.  Congregations expect their ministers to not only be thoroughly trained in the confessions themselves, but they must also be adeptly acquainted with the Scriptures that undergird them, the history that surrounds them, and the practices that they set forward. 

To put it another way, confessional churches have high standards.  That transposes into a high standard for those who preach and serve as elders in the church.  The laity, having bulked up on Biblical and confessional material, probably isn't going to settle for any ole schlub being in a position over them.

3.  Reverence & Listening - In a Pentecostal church, you will likely see people bouncing away in the aisles.  In a Fundamentalist church, you may see a loud, sweaty preacher.  In a Confessional church you will likely see a degree of quiet stillness.

This is not the "frozen chosen" as many jokingly call it.  To the contrary, it is active engagement coupled with reverence.  The confessions set forward the greatness of God and focus upon his majestic being.  The confessions teach us to listen to God speak in and through his Word.  The natural product is that the congregation quiets themselves so that they may revere God and give adequate attention to the means of grace.

4. Means of Grace - I had never heard this term prior to being in a confessional church.  But the confessions talk a great deal about how God brings his saving grace to bear on his people. 

Christ accomplished our salvation and the Spirit applies it.  But the Spirit works to grow us in this grace by means of the reading and preaching of God's Word, the sacraments, prayer, etc.  

As these things are conveyed in the confessions, it naturally leads the congregation to give specific attention to these means of grace, both in the corporate context of worship, and in individual homes.

5. Sacramental piety - Confessional churches have a well developed theology of baptism and the Lord's Supper, and, as a result, put a significant emphasis on them in worship services.  

The confessions themselves were written in response to a lot of the abuses of the sacraments in the Roman Catholic Church.  Thus they spend a lot of time explaining the biblical teaching regarding them. 

In sum, the confessions tell us that the sacraments are not merely pictures of the gospel or memorials for reflection.  Rather they are lively declarations of the gospel.  As such they are means of grace which press the validity of God's promises in a vivid manner and help us progress in our battle against sin.

6. A Covenantal Perspective - The idea of covenant is one of the most prominent themes of Scripture. The confessions have captured this fundamental teaching in their records and communicate it effectively throughout their pages.  

Even though the Westminster and London Confessions have some slight nuances on the subject of covenant theology, they both concur when it comes to the basics:  All humanity have become covenant breakers as a result of Adam's fall and deserve death.  But the Lord redeems his people through the covenant of grace.

This covenantal perspective helps make the gospel all that much more central in the context of God's people.  It also serves to give students of the confessions an enriched understanding of God's call to faithful obedience.

Admittedly, many non confessional churches may have some of the same distinctives.  There's no doubt about that.  But there is also no doubting the fact that the confessions foster a certain culture within the church.  They set forward a unique spirituality and shape the practices and piety of those congregations which truly embrace them.

Join the Bee - Registration is Open!
The National Bible Bee engages young people in the memorization and study of God’s Word.  Through this program our young people are united in bonds of fellowship, spiritually challenged, and strengthened in Christ.  Register today to lock in your savings and your child's growth.  Learn more about the Bee.

Register under hosts Rachel Johnson, Tara Beechy, or Michelle Naylor.

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Overcome Anxiety for Good
For the last several weeks Hopewell has dug deeply into the issue of anxiety and shown how the Lord can deliver his people from it.  If you or someone you know struggles with the issue of anxiety, be sure to check out the messages. 

PART 1  |  PART 2  |  PART 3

And join us this Lord's Day as we conclude this series as we contemplate "How Can We Keep from Becoming Anxious?"

Come join us in the land of social media!

"Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me."

2 Corinthians 12:7

​Maybe God doesn't want you to thrive, succeed, or float on the fairy boat of greatness.  Maybe the road He has laid out for you involves trudging through difficulty, slogging through sorrow, and offering up a whole lot of tear filled prayers.

If you would ask the Apostle Paul if life was a bed of roses, he would have gave a resounding YES!  But he'd also say that the petals are typically missing. 

God had given him a thorn in the flesh.  Translation: Thriving, in many senses, was not God's plan for Paul.  Providence had ordained a slew of sufferings, hardships, roadblocks, setbacks, weeping, anguish, and detours.

Of course, Scripture doesn't tell us what the nature of the thorn was.  We are simply left with a prickly metaphor and an ominous reference to a demonic ambassador.  Hardly anything you might call clarity.

But the point of suffering is clear.  This wasn't a minor prick or "owie."  It was given "to torment."  Literally, it could be translated, "to rap with the fist."  In other words, this satanic thorn threw punches like Mohamad Ali.

What was the Lord thinking?  Didn't God know that Paul's ministry could have been even more successful if he hadn't had this messenger of Satan constantly socking him?  Think how the Roman world could have been won to Christ.  How many more converts could Paul have made?  How much more amazing work could have been done?

The truth is God is often more concerned with the amazing work going on inside us.  He might want us to slog along because it means deeper spiritual growth.

This past year's inflation wasn't kind to your wages.  You know why?  The answer is not merely because men have mischievously tampered with the monetary system.   It's primarily because God wanted you to feel the financial pinch and understand what it means to rely upon him.

You know why (enter annoyingly constant household problem) keeps popping up?  Sure, its because (enter all names that apply) are woeful sinners.  But it's primarily because God wants to shape you.  He wants you to know that His grace is sufficient.

The list of pains, trials, and circumstances may vary, but it is still the same outcome.  The Lord may not want you to thrive in this world.  He might give you the Job treatment and earnestly call you to character development.
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Ministry Information Meeting
This Sunday during our fellowship lunch Jon Mould will give a short presentation on the Afghan refugee sponsorship program.  We'd love your participation and feed back as we seek to discern whether or not the Lord is calling us to this ministry opportunity.

Reformed Audio Resources
Plug it in and grow.  Listen to great lectures from some of the best seminaries around.  Dabble in various courses, such as Church history, Music & Christian Aesthetics, The Parables and Miracles of Christ, the Doctrine of God, and many more.

Once again we have the joy of recognizing all that God has done in our midst.  We invite you to check out our 2021 Year in Review and join us in praising God for the sweet mercies he's bestowed upon our fellowship.

"If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles."

Matt. 5:41

How Far Will You Go? 
...
 
More than Average 

How would you rate your efforts?  Your obedience?  Your thoroughness and serviceability?  If you were to send home a grade card which would give a score on your level of love, what would it be?

Let's say you get a passing grade.  You've done what was required.  The task was completed.  Satisfactory, right?

Now determine that grade on the basis of Christ's call to "go the extra mile."  In ancient Rome citizens could be compelled by Roman soldiers to perform specific labors.  For instance, to carry a soldier's gear.  The law said that person would have to lug the pack one mile.

Jesus comes along and puts up a new standard though.  He tells his people to go two miles.  In sum, outdo what is expected of you.  What seems to be a minor inconvenience should not bother you.  Your heart should be so wide that you become willing to go beyond the bare minimum.  

After being married, I came to see the importance of this.  For me, it didn't matter if the laundry got put away in the drawers.  If it got folded, that was a bonus in my eyes.

My standard was quickly challenged.  My new wife had different expectations.  But it wasn't enough to put the socks back into the drawer.  She liked the drawer to be closed all the way, nice and neat.  If the socks were sticking out or the drawer left slightly open, it was a bother.

Don't think that my wife is a bugaboo about it.  She lovingly would overlook it and fix it herself if need be.  

But the Lord began to convict me.  What kind of love was I showing?  Was it "satisfactory" or could I go the extra mile and tuck in the shirts and close the drawers all the way?  

The principle of going the extra mile and doing more than what was expected/required of me became something that needed to be applied in many other ways.  It was not just applied to my dresser drawers, but it also needful in the way I did the dishes and carried on conversation.  It applied to parenting and a myriad of other small, but important aspects of life.

Walking a mile is, in the grand scheme of a day, not that big of a deal.  It is, in many ways, a minor inconvenience.  It's more about the willingness to submit, to serve, and to give up what you find pleasurable in the moment.

Really, Christ himself shows what it means in the most demonstrable ways.  He became a man.  He gave up vacations (Mk 6:31-33).  He would not sip the drink that would numb the cross's pain.  He let himself be inconvenienced in a host of ways so that he could show the love that would save and bring life.

In view of that, what is a mile or two?  Our inconveniences are pretty inconsequential.  

The love of Christ calls us to "go a little bit further."  And so, as his disciples, we should be prepared do more than a mere C+ on our daily callings. If the boss asks for a spreadsheet, it should be the best possible spreadsheet he could ever get from us.  If your mother tells you to set the table, you should make the effort to put those spoons in perfect alignment.  

As the gospel exceeds our expectations, let that be the mindset that we also have.  When handed a task, as yourself, "How can I go the extra mile here?  What can I do to make sure that this is done in the best possible way?"  As you go that extra mile, you will be showing a love that is truly divine.  

This Sunday @ Hopewell

The Magi Confirm Christ's Imperial Rule
Matthew 2:1-12

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Lessons & Carols
Be sure to join us on Christmas Eve at 6:30 as we meditate on our Lord's birth.  You will be blessed by Scripture readings, carols, and special music pieces.

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Ring In 2022 with Hopewell
Join us at Pleasant Valley Ranch Campground for an evening of great fellowship.  Pizza and drinks will be provided.  Doors will open at 6pm.  Feel free to come or leave whenever you'd like.

"We take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ."

1 Corinthians 10:5

Enjoying Your Shows to the Glory of God 
...
 
Identifying the Message of a Movie

​"A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and he fell among some robbers..."

"While some Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders; so they threw the man’s body into Elisha’s tomb. When the body touched Elisha’s bones, the man came to life and stood up on his feet."

"The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai:  “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.”  But Jonah ran away from the Lord..."

There's something electric about a good story.  It has the power to grip you and captivate your attention.  It reels you in and speaks to your soul. 

Yes, it speaks.  A story's value (or detriment) is not merely in its entertainment value, it is also in its ability to convey ideas. 

The Lord knows this well.  That's why he composed the Bible the way he did.  Approximately 70% of it is narrative.  He reveals his truths in dramatic form to our emotions and senses as well as our hearts and minds.

The movies and films of today are merely contemporary society's way of embodying this age old phenomena.  And, if we are wise, we will seek to be just as discerning with what we watch on the screen as we are with what we read in Scripture.

How exactly do we do that?  Much of it comes by understanding the basic elements of a story.  In his book, Hollywood Worldviews, Brian Godawa outlines how you can discern the basic message (or "theme") of a film by understanding its core structural elements.

The Theme
The theme is what the movie is all about.  Sometimes it can be thought of as "the moral of the story" and can be stated propositionally as a premise that leads to a conclusion.  If we put it as an equation, it would be "x leads to y."  

My wife and I have recently re-watched the 1998 Disney production of The Parent Trap.  It's a corny romantic comedy about how two twins separated at birth bring their divorced parents back together.  It's theme might be "Cuteness, determination, and a little tit-for-tat deception lead to the restoration of true love."

But how did I get there?  Let's walk through the rest of the plot elements and see.

The Hero
A story has a central figure who serves as the hero.  In The Parent Trap, there are actually two heroes.  They are the adorable 11 year old twin girls, Hallie and Annie, who (by fate or by chance) happen to meet at summer camp.  

The Hero's Goal
The hero always has a goal, which drives the story.  This obsession is what makes the story.  For Hallie and Annie the goal is a united family, where father and mother live together, love each other, and shower their dual affection upon their kids.  In sum, they are obsessed with what might be called the ideal nuclear family.  

The means used to achieve this goal may be of some question.  It's not your good old fashioned "honesty is the best policy."  Their sisterhood had been hidden from them, so they practice a little deceit of their own by switching places when the time comes to go back home.

The Adversary
Conflict is central to every story.  That is why every story has an adversary.  Some may call it "the bad guy" or "the villain," but it doesn't necessarily have to be a person.  It could be nature, a corporation, chance, or overly strict rules/society.  Whatever it is, it stands against the hero to keep him from achieving his goal.

In The Parent Trap, the adversarial role may be said to be the dazzling beauty who is attempting to wed the father figure, thus preventing the unification of the parents.  But the adversary may also be said to be divorce and man's inability to reconcile due to a lack of humility, repentance, and the ability to forgive.

The Character Flaw
Just as the adversary acts as the external opponent, so too there is an internal opponent.  On the way to achieving the goal, the hero must overcome this defect.  As the story unfolds the hero will learn the right way to live.  

In The Parent Trap the girl's youth may be said to be that flaw.  

The Apparent Defeat
A good show will at some point have the hero utterly stymied.  The adversaries mentioned above will become too great an obstacle and leave the hero facing a moment of hopelessness and despair as the goal seems out of reach.

Hallie and Annie feel like they meet their match when the plan they hatch falls apart.  The lovely fiancée and the stubborn pride of their parents seem to win the day.

Final Confrontation
Towards the end of the story the adversary and the hero must face off in one last battle.  It may be a physical fight or a verbal confrontation, but either way it is the moment for which everyone has been waiting.

The final confrontation in The Parent Trap is a camping trip where the ritzy beauty is in comedic style revealed to be a less than desirable fit for the father.

Self Revelation
Just before the movie ends the hero will give "the moral of the story."  Typically it will be wrapped in a conversation where the hero will give a speech about what he or she has learned or how his/her mind has changed.  The theme will break loose at this point as you now understand how you are supposed to live in the world.  

As with most romantic comedies, the self revelation of The Parent Trap is teased along and extended until the "big kiss."  The father and mother realize the folly of their ways and express their repentance in their re-unifying smooch.

Resolution
What happens as a result of the change (or lack of change)? Where does the hero go from here?  That is the resolution.  It is the "happily ever after" moment when the cowboy rides off into the sunset or the "ah ha" moment of the tragedy where the consequences of one's bad decisions play out.  In sum, all the questions posed in the movie have been answered and the curtain can fall.

In identifying these elements of the movie, the theme can be better recognized.  That theme and its supporting elements can then be analyzed.

For The Parent Trap, there are wonderful Christian motifs at play. 

• Divorce is the real parent trap; it is wrong and harmful to kids. 
• Commitment in marriage is good and people should work out their problems with humility and forgiveness. 
• Lies will always come to light and are exposed for the terrible things that they are.

But there are also some items that one should give one pause.  For instance, there's a sense in which the movie says deception is okay as long as it used for a higher end.  Thus, we need to be mindful that the "feelings trump ethics" or "ends justify the means" mentality is contrary to Scripture.

___________________
*This is part 2 of a series on "Watching Your Shows to the Glory of God."  Be sure to read the first installment in this series.

What to look for in a Movie
Was the above article helpful?  Would you like to apply it to your own shows?  Good news!  Godawa has a short piece on "What to look for when watching a movie" that can help you pick apart your shows.  Bookmark it for your discussions with your family.

Fellowship & Study
Are you interested in a Bible study?  Would you like some mid-week fellowship?  Don't be bashful about it.  Let's see what we can do to fill that need!  Let us know your interest. 

​"We take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ."

1 Corinthians 10:5

Enjoying Your Shows to the Glory of God 
...
 
Thinking Biblically about Movies & Television  

Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Cable television, YouTube.  I would suppose that the question is not "Do you use one of these media outlets?," but rather "Which is your preferred entertainment venue?"  

Whether it is a daily entertainment fix at the end of a long day or the occasional family movie, it's likely that you and your family will have your eyes fastened on a screen.  Studies say that the average American racks up 3 hours a day.  One source said that we binged streamed 8 hours a day during the COVID lockdowns.

My guess is that the average Hopewellian is well below the "average American" in these respects.  But, let's face it, we're all still getting our regular dosage of screen time.

You may expect me to throw in a quip about how we are "not reading our Bibles that much."  I'm not that kind of guy though.  I don't think God requires us to get a 1:1 correspondence between how much Bible we read and how much television we watch. 

Sure, I'll say that a good motto to live by is "Bible first."  It's a healthy practice to make sure you've spent some time in God's Word at some point of the day and not let our entertainments take precedence over it. 

However, entertainment is a good thing.  It's a blessing from the Lord, and watching "your show" is not something we have to be ashamed of.

After all, "God loves movies."  That's what Brian Godawa, an award winning screenwriter, filmmaker, and movie lecturer, says.  He explains, "Movies are visually dramatic stories, and in the Bible the dominant means through which God communicates his truth is visually dramatic stories--not systematic theology, catechisms, or rational argument."

Godawa not only notes the value of film, he says that we must beware of two sinful extremes.  In his book Hollywood Worldviews: Watching Films with Wisdom & Discernment he says we must beware of cultural anorexia and cultural gluttony.  

On the one hand you can take a teetotaler perspective and say that movies are a waste of time or merely a dangerous means of escapism.  This denies the fact that movies are works of art and a "God-given means of expressing our humanity."  Though the art may be flawed, we should recognize that each movie does reflect the creativity of God and an interest in beauty (which itself is God-given).

On the other hand, you can have cultural gluttons.  These are the mass consumers who often lack wisdom and discretion.  In the name of "just wanting to be entertained" they turn off their brains and are "oblivious" to the messages that the films preach.*

A third and better way is available to us.  It is watching these shows with our minds wide open.  We can be in the movie, but not of the movie, so to speak.  As we enjoy our entertainment, we can still take every thought captive for Christ.  That which is beautiful can be extolled, and that which is evil can be condemned.  Most of all, the redemption which is portrayed in the movie can be recognized as in some way reflecting God's grand drama of salvation.

Over the next several issues of the Hopewell Weekly, we will be looking at some of the principles Godawa outlines in his book.  It will be our goal to help foster a greater discernment (as well as a a greater appreciation!) for the movies, series, and cartoons we watch.

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*"Oblivious" may not be the best word to use here.  I would suggest that we get the message.  It is just whether we do it consciously or not.
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American Church History
The American church is a unique thing.  Many rivers have combined to form what it is today. Join us on Sunday evenings as we begin to explore the roots of the American church and how it has developed through the ages.  From Puritans to big tent revivals to big box churches, we'll see what God hath done among us.

Membership @ Hopewell
Would you like to formally come under the care of the leadership and enjoy the rights and privileges that accompany membership, please let us know.  The elders will be setting up interviews with prospective candidates over the next few weeks and publicly welcoming new members in November.  

​​"But Martha was distracted with much serving."

Luke 10:40

​Every hair does not have to be perfectly placed.  Your body doesn't have to fit into that size 5 dress.  Your lawn doesn't have to be manicured.  Your test doesn't have to be a 95 or above.

Such words can be heresy to some people.  "You just don't understand," they would mutter.  "That's not good enough."

They are the perfectionists.   

At least that's what they are often called.  They can also be called driven, goal oriented, and disciplined.  Others, however, may call them by their more derogatory names, such as "obsessive" or "compulsive."  

She's a stickler for detail.  He's meticulous about the particulars.  But, when it all boils down, they both have to be the best of the best.

While we should strive to "be holy as he is holy," we also need to recognize that we are sinners.  We'll never reach God's standard.  And, really, if we have a perfectionist's spirit, we're probably not walking in the Spirit and achieving the kind of perfection God has in mind.

There are different ways this plays out.  Julie might look the part of one who is the epitome of humanity:  she excels in school, she's fit, her kids always look like the ideal family.

Pull back the curtain of her heart and you'll find that things are not as righteous as they seem.  Julie's inner life is anything but reflective of the external, pristine order that she conveys.  She's always worried about what her friends will think of her.  She doesn't want to disappoint her ever so proud (and demanding?) Papa.  She's killing her self keeping up with all the perceptions others have (or the perceptions she imagines them to have).

The same is true for Darrin, though they differ in some of the details.  Darrin isn't worried about what other's think, but he has his standards.  He's got to be the best.  That's why his presentations always kill it.  They make the impression and get the sell every time. 

But his work takes him late into the night each day.  The hunt for the promotion has taken its toll, especially on his wife and kids.  They have all been laid on the Alter of Perfection.

I don't want you to be confused: we may seek perfection.  God delights in obedience.  But the perfectionist typically isn't seeking perfection in the sphere of morality.  It's his own perfection.  It's a perfection of some aspect of his life, but not so much his soul.  Instead of righteousness, perfection is thought of in terms of success, image, or performance.

Martha was in the same boat.  She wanted a perfect home.  Jesus was there, after all.  The perfect meal needed prepared.  A tidy atmosphere had to be kept.

Those were all good things, no doubt.  But none of it concerned real sanctification for God's glory.  None of it was achieving the kind of perfection that really mattered. 

Thankfully, Jesus was there and he brought deliverance to her soul. The Perfect One is the savior of the perfectionist-wanna-be.  It wasn't about the goals she had set or the perceptions she had.  It was about her heart and where its should focus should be.

The gospel is the cure all for the perfectionist.  Julie may rest in knowing that the only thing that really matters is God's evaluation of her in Christ.  Darrin may find that God's provision is enough and his grace is sufficient.  Martha may not worry about the dust bunnies.  Rather she may gain assurance in knowing that Christ desires communion more than a 7 course meal.

In sum, when the Lord comes first and we are focused on the gospel, the perfectionist can be perfected.  Grace puts the goals in line and our strivings can center on the real issues of on God's heart.

American Church History
The American church is a unique thing.  Many rivers have combined to form what it is today. Join us on Sunday evenings as we begin to explore the roots of the American church and how it has developed through the ages.  From Puritans to big tent revivals to big box churches, we'll see what God hath done among us.

Membership @ Hopewell
We at Hopewell Church believe that covenanting together in formal membership is a biblical way to show our devotion to Christ.  If you would like to come under the care of the leadership through membership, we invite you to learn more and let us know your interest.  

The Death of John Shelby Spong
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Christ Has Prevailed Once Again 

​I learned about John Shelby Spong in my modern church history class in college.  So it was interesting to hear that he had passed away this last week at 90 years of age.

With his death we also lay to rest an era.  Mark Tooley has appropriately said that Spong's death brings about the death of Protestant Modernism.

Spong was a liberal theologian (or a modernist, as they have traditionally been called).  As a child of the enlightenment he rejected Biblical revelation and embraced rationalism.  Thus, he believed that Christianity needed to "keep up with modern times."  Anything that smacked of being unscientific needed to be tossed out.  

For instance, the virgin birth, the bodily resurrection of Christ, his second coming, as well as any belief in an afterlife and miracles had no place in Spong's worldview.  To Spong it wasn't rational to believe such things.  Those were the beliefs of the archaic Christians (or "fundamentalists," as normal, Bible believing people would be called).

The Modernists, of course, were the forerunners of the Post-Modernists.  Modernists liked claims to absolute truth, but they chucked the Bible, which is the basis for it.  So their big claims of right and wrong / truth and error were soon supplanted by their Post Modern sons who do not believe in any absolutes. 

The Postmodernists took Modernism to its logical conclusion.  Who's to say what is right and wrong?  If there is no absolute, then what's true for me may not be true for you.  It just depends on your personal narrative. 

Today you will be hard pressed to find a tried and true Modernist Christian.  Like Spong, they are pretty much an extinct species.  Modernism really does seem to go to the grave with Spong.

What did not die out was orthodox Christianity.  Jesus Christ truly did rise from the dead and he currently lives at God's right hand.  He now sends the Spirit, who actively works faith in his people and teaches them all things that God has revealed. 

As a matter of fact, the true faith has only grown and multiplied many times over, much to Spong's chagrin.  Interestingly, over Spong's 90 years of life traditional Christian belief has grown from 600 million to over 2 billion!

Christ has indeed prevailed and and Spong's hope of ridding the world of such views has failed miserably.

It is just as Proverbs 11:7 says, "When a wicked man dies, his expectation will perish; the hope of strong men perishes."  Spong lived a vigorous 90 years.  He wrote many books and promoted a liberal agenda with radical passion up to his dying breath.  Yet there's very little to show for it.  His modernistic hope is dead. 

Just as the church he pastored plummeted in attendance during his time, so too does his hope of defeating Christ and Biblical Christianity.  It falls and dies with him and is about as useful as the book that Spong wrote on the afterlife in 2010.

By contrast, Christ still reigns.  His truth marches on unhindered. 

The true gospel not only continues to live and thrive, but it brings people a real and living hope.  We have a sure anchor of the soul; a hope that absolute truth delivered to us from God provides.

Protections for Religious Liberty
This Sunday at 6pm John Sparks will begin a series which will examine the legal provisions which protect believers in the US as they live out their Christian faith.  Sparks, who taught Constitutional History at Grove City College, will survey key U.S. Constitutional cases, and explain their significance to believers today.

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Review & Reach
Imagine being a fairly new Christian and having to find a church.  Where do you go?  Google, of course.  That's why Google reviews can be important.  Giving your 5 star rating and sharing what you love about Hopewell can possibly direct someone to our fellowship. 

"Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the LORD on high is mighty!"

Psalm 93:4

Mightier than All

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No Evil Can Prevail 

​This week we've had a stark contrast of events.  On the one hand Pete Buttigieg released a photo of his faux family.  He and his homosexual partner pose together in a hospital bed holding two newborn babies who they are "adopting."

The family is about as fake as the hospital bed they sit in.  Neither man carried the babies or labored to give birth to them.  Neither need a hospital bed.  The woman (women?) who bore them needed that bed.  Yet she is missing from the picture, and her motherly care will be missing from the lives of those children.

It's a faux family.

In juxtaposition stands the Texas Heartbeat Bill that was signed into law and made firm by the Supreme Court's passive thumbs up.  While the waves of opposition shout and clamor, the law stands. 

Furthermore, the Lone Star State has put a significant chink in the Roe v Wade legacy.  Not only are lives being preserved through this legislation, individuals are allowed to take civil action against anyone who performs or induces an abortion. It's a shot across the bow that should strike fear in the hearts of Texas abortionists.

What we have is two very distinct steps in different directions.  One steps in the direction of life and the preservation of families.  The other steps in the direction of perversion and an attempt to normalize it.

The irony of these two events testify to the ongoing battle that is raging.  The Lord is waging war in this world and Satan is by no means attempting to sit on the sidelines and pout.  It is a clash of the titans of the highest order.

Enter Psalm 93.  This song presents us with wild raging waters.  The waves thrash with such cataclysmic force that the sound of it can only be compared to loud claps of thunder.  It represents a vortex of evil.  The enemies of God dramatically rage with fierce, destructive attacks.

Yet, says the Psalmist, the Lord reigns.  His might far surpasses the strongest of tempests.  Be they physical or supernatural, no power of evil can stand against his will.  Foam and froth as they may, the Lord will always reign on high and bring about his purposes on earth.

Thus, in the face of cultural drift, we may take confidence in the sovereignty of God.  His purposes in the earth will never slacken and we may have hope that the evils of this world will be be nothing more than a child's bath tub splashes to our God.

In the glowing cultural victories we may also rejoice.  These testify to the fact that the throne of our King is established forever and none shall stay his hand.

Fellowship Meal
After the service this coming Lord's Day Hopewell will enjoy an extended time of fellowship over lunch.  The church will provide chicken, place settings, and drinks.  Families are encouraged to bring a side to share according to their family size.  (Evening study will commence at 6 pm.)

Hopewell Prayer List
Hopewell is always dependent upon God's favor.  Your prayers are instrumental for securing that blessing.  For that reason, we'd love it if you would request a prayer list and commit to praying for at least one family each day.  

Restoring What Was Lost
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The Promise of a Bountiful Future 

The story typically sounds the same.  It may have slightly different notes that it strikes, but the overall theme is essentially repeated.  Someone will recount how they are now missing out on _____ due to mistakes they made in the past.

A variety of things can fill in the blank:  

• Money may have been lost.  Due to poor choices and wasted time in days of yore, a person may come to lament that his career path has left him in a rather dismal state financially.

• Time with children may have been lost.  Fathers and mothers sometimes find that their sinful patterns drove a wedge between them and their kids.  Maybe it was the long hours on the job.  Maybe it was the drugs. Whatever it was, it alienated them.

• Pleasure is lost.  The worst of all mid life crisis is when a person looks back and sees that he has spent his life pursuing pleasure, but never really gained it.  Instead of living for Christ and developing a strong spiritual legacy, he has filled memory albums with years with vanity.  

These are merely a sample of the kinds of things over which people often express regret. 

Into this sorrow the gospel breaks with beaming light.  There may not be a way to go back and change the past, but there is a way forward which gives great hope.  

Peter spoke of it in Acts 3 when he said that the Lord can bring "times of refreshing."  Peter drew on the agricultural world of his time.  Droughts would cause the crops to wilt, but a rain would refresh the lands and make them green and fruitful once again.

This is what God typically does in his grace.  He brings about a new day, a time of restoration, a new beginning.  Many times he even deals out even more bounty than one could imagine ever having gained.

Similarly, the Israelites were told that the Lord would restore what the locusts had eaten (Joel 2:25).  They would find that God would deal "wondrously" with them and satisfy their desires.

This is what the people of God have experienced throughout time.  
When a person repents of his sin and turns to God, they find that they see renewal and enrichment in their lives. New joy blossoms where old wounds had once existed.

Of course, this is not a flat out promise that God will give you mega millions or that the drunkard will definitely get his wife back.  It is, however, a promise that the Lord will bring about a time of refreshing.  He likes to plant gardens in the midst of ashes.

Take the apostle Paul as one example.  He spent many an hour persecuting the church.  That time of his life may have been misspent, but all was not lost.  Nothing could compare to his post conversion years.  He enjoyed no end of blessing as the Lord worked through him to bring light and life to much of the Western world. 

Similar things happen in the lives of those who repent and turn to God today.  Fathers often see new bridges built into his child's life.  The Lord often turns the hearts of the children to their fathers when the heart of the father is turned to his children. 

Then again, those fathers may experience the blessing of God in other ways.  Think here of the thief on the cross.  He lost much through his thieving.  He squandered his very life in his love of wealth. Yet, when he looked to Christ, he gained exceedingly more than he could ask or imagine. Christ said to him, "Today you will be with me in Paradise."  He found enrichment that far surpassed financial gain.

These might not necessarily be your regrets, but they do serve to show how the Lord typically works.  Whatever your regret may be, your past does not need to rule you or pull you down.  There is hope in what God can (and will) do.
  
In all, we recognize that God's grace is greater than all our sin. He is able to restore the fortunes of his people and bring about a wonderful times of refreshing.  

The Court & the Church
On Sunday evenings in September (12, 19, & 26) John Sparks will lead a series on the church and the courts.  John will walk us through several United States court cases which were significant for the church in the United States. Join us at 6 pm.

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What is Reformed Theology?
Hopewell is a 'Reformed and family integrated church' in Ashland.  But what exactly does that mean?  This series by RC Sproul will help you gain an understanding of a few of the basic theological principles regarding the Reformed faith.

"Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it."

1 Corinthians 12:27

​Dynamics of Church Membership 

One of things that Hopewell members committed to early on is dealing with our problems in a biblical way.  We didn't want gossip or grudges having any corrosive effect on what God would build.

We desired to see a Reformed and family integrated church firmly established for generations to come.  So we pledged to always respectfully and lovingly address the person(s) with whom we had a grievance.

Our goal hasn't changed.  We still want to honor God, even in the midst of our sins and shortcomings.   

Thankfully, over the years, God has given us a blessed bond and happy unity.  The peace and purity of the church has been relatively undisturbed throughout our five and a half years together as a congregation.  That's no doubt a testimony to God's great grace and the maturity of our families.

It's always good to go back to those basics though, especially in times like this when there really are no problems of which to speak.  As we continue to enjoy the sweet fruits of the Spirit's ties, we should remember what makes these ties of fellowship so great. 

This is especially true as the church grows.  We want all who are part of our congregation to be acquainted with our founding commitment:  Christ is to be praised, even if we would have troubles.

This core commitment is even etched into our membership vows.  Each person who stands for membership is asked, "Do you promise to submit to the governance of the church and study its purity and peace?"

When we meet with prospective members I like to point out the implications of this vow.  There are two parts.  On the one hand this promise means that you won't blow off the leadership if they address an unbiblical pattern of life that you have.  You're taking an oath to weigh the admonitions and conform to the Scripture's mandate.

But it's a two way street.  This vow also means that if you see us as leaders abusing our power or going against the Scripture's clear commands, you'll take proper action.  Instead of running off to another church, you'll seek to maintain the peace, purity and unity by confronting us and calling us to repentance.  

Sometimes I joke and say, "I'll even give you a form to do it."  While there is some jest in this, there's also some truth.  In the PCA we have an official document that members can use to file a formal complaint against their leaders when they take an unbiblical course of action. 

Perhaps you can say that I like it when members complain.  Of course, I am not talking about the kind of complaining that is petty or is blabbed about publicly; the kind that creates dissention and further destroys the peace, purity, and unity of the church. 

I am referring to the kind of godly complaining that Scripture mandates.  The kind where you take concerns to the right people with the right attitude and for the right goal.  It's the kind of complaint that Jesus speaks of in Matthew 18 when he says, "go to your brother and show him his fault; if he listens to you, you've won your brother."

Granted, this kind of complaining takes a great deal of courage, love, and personal preparation.  Yet it is one of those essential building blocks which provides the firm foundation needed for a lasting church body.

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Solutions to Your Problems
Whatever issue you may be facing, Scripture has the answer. There is hope because Bible addresses every aspect of life and every possible problem we may encounter.  You can get the solutions you need by contacting us for counsel.​

Grow in Grace at Your Pace
Are you looking for a discipleship opportunity?  Whether you want to be discipled or desire to initiate a new study group, we want to support you.  Start the conversation by contacting us now.

​VISIT HOPEWELL

Sundays 10:30 am & 6:00 pm
1995 Baney Road
Ashland, OH
​44805