​I begin this article without having picked a picture above.  I browsed the database of "parenting" and "family" pictures.  Most of them have a sunny glow as the silhouetted mother and father skip along hand in hand with their adoring children.  An aura of peaceful joy pervades as they gaze lovingly into one another's eyes.

But that just seems a little too perfect for an article on parenting. 

Let's face it: Parenting is difficult.  Sure, there is love and laughter.  There are moments that will be etched upon the heart as golden memories.  But there are also a lot of tears, heartbreak, and tough decisions that have to be made along the way.

Why is that?  It is because children arrive pre-programed.  The factory setting, so to speak, is folly.

This is where Christian parenting begins: knowing the child's true nature and understanding the state of their hearts.  Scripture tells us that man is conceived and born in sin (Ps. 51:5).  Children are sinners by nature because they have inherited Adam's corruption (Rom. 5:19).  As a result, they sin and have a propensity towards all kinds of foolish behavior.  

This is what sets Christian parenting apart from most of the world.  The prevailing belief is that man is "basically good."  This leads to a certain style of parenting (or lack thereof!).  They may call it "permissive" parenting or give it more fancy lingo (such as "montessori").  But the idea is that kids don't need a lot of discipline, teaching, or expressed parental intervention.

In the worlds eyes, parents are merely providers of basic necessities - clothes, food, shelter, toys.  At best, they provide an environment for the child's success.  On the other hand, there are those, like Rousseau and Marx, who believe parents to be a serious detriment to a child's overall personal development!

The Scriptural view is much different.  Children have a serious innate problem.  They are by foolish by nature.  Selfishness, impatience, laziness, discontent, and conceit are riveted into the very fabric of who they are.  Thus, they instinctively desire to lie, resist authority, cheat, quarrel, and pursue every other form of folly.

This is why they need wise and godly parents.  Parents are God's main tool for ministering to these inward defects.  Through a parent's ministry a child comes face to face with God and His interests.  The fundamental problems etched upon their souls are engaged and given right direction. 

To be sure, parents do not change the heart.  This is God's domain of operation.  This is why some children may follow in the steps of Esau.

Nevertheless, mothers, fathers, grandfathers, & grandmothers are God's agents in dealing with the heart.  Through you folly is addressed, correction is applied, and instruction is given.  Through you God chooses to do His normal work of bringing about change.  Through you the folly in their hearts can be dislodged and driven far from them.

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Parenting can be tough.  It can be even tougher when your children have become adults.  But what do you do if your grown child leaves the church and lives a secular life?

Sometimes covenant children do not continue in the faith once they leave the home.  While we hope for the best, we know that many children don't end up continuing in the faith. 

Parents may feel as though there is nothing they can do.  But this couldn't be farther from the truth.  Parents forever remain the single most effective agent in their child's spiritual nurture. 

What's more, Scripture gives us guidelines to how to parent to the glory of God even after they have left the house.

1.  Pray:  Never underestimate the effectual working of parental prayer (James 5:16).  Augustine, who is considered one of the church's greatest theologians, attributes his late-in-life conversion to the prayers of his mother, Monica.  

Since it is God who convinces and converts sinners, get on your knees.  Pray for their hearts, pray that they meet other Christians, pray that they read and hear Scripture, pray that they may be kept from temptation, pray that they would be convicted repeatedly, pray that they may recollect the spiritual nurture they received in early life (John Newton was converted later in life by remembering Scripture verses which were drilled into him when he was 6 years old).  

2.  Evaluate yourself and get right with God:  Our child's road to repentance may begin with our own.  No parent is perfect, but sometimes parents can be guilty of "provoking their child to wrath."  Some households have missed the boat on "bringing them up in the nurture and instruction of the Lord." (Eph. 6:4)

If this is the case, there is no need to wallow in guilt.  God's grace covers a multitude of sins.  What's more, there is still great opportunities to parent in the adult years.  But we need to be honest, confess where we failed, and make efforts to change.  We don't want our ongoing parenting to continue to make the same mistakes.

3.  Ask for forgiveness (if necessary):  Show your child true brokenness for sin.  If you were legalistic, overly harsh, or critical in their younger days, go to them.  Admit you were wrong to do that and sincerely ask them for their forgiveness.  This is what God wants, and it can go a long way to opening new, deeper lines of communication.

3.  Testify about Christ:  Christ is a part of your life.  Talk him up. Not in a cheesy or forced way - they will see right through that.  But at the same time, don't feel that you have to hold back.  Your child may have rejected Christ, but you haven't.  And you have every liberty to proclaim the goodness of the Lord.

So be open about it.  Talk about the things the Lord is doing in your life.  Talk about the interesting people and programs at church.  Let them know how helpful the church's leadership is.  Offer the wisdom of Scripture where appropriate.  

You don't have to preach.  All you need to do is be a witness.  You can talk about how great Christ is, just as you'd chat up a good game or vacation.  Each time you do, you set before your child a little gospel invitation.

4.  Discuss their life's choices:  You are still the parent.  You still parent the child, no matter how old they are.  And parents talk with their kids when they make bad choices. 

You may not nag or harp on them.  You cannot command, scold, or rebuke them like you did when they were little.  But you can have a mature, grown up conversation with them.  As a matter of fact, your child expects you to discuss these things with them.  That's because it's your job.

5.  Let it go:  "Once you’ve lovingly shared your opinion on the situation, there really is nothing else to say. Your child is an adult now and free to make his or her own decisions, even if you don’t agree."^  In sum, it's time to let the Holy Spirit take over.  He is the one who brings conviction (Jn. 16:8).

6.  Love them; enjoy them; bless them, praise them, have fun with them:  In other words, keep that relationship alive and reflecting the fatherly kindness and lavish interest of God.  The gospel is the good news of life and acceptance with God.  Let your child know know something of this by the way you interact with them.

To be sure, there is no magical wand or unique parenting trick that will ensure your child embraces Christ.  But you can still use your covenantal position to point your child to God and His grace.

Are you interested in learning more about how to parent a wayward child?  Whether that child is in your home or grown, you can still be a great blessing to them and point them to a relationship with Christ. 

Contact our pastoral staff to get counsel in this area.

"The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe." Proverbs 29:25
​
What haunts you?  What constantly lurks in your mind?  What is it that frightens you into stopping dead in your tracks or pushes you into hiding?  

Ghouls and goblins are all the rage this time of year, but Hollywood's most spine-chilling horror scenes pale in comparison to the everyday opinions and approval of ordinary men. It's more terrifying than demons and more fiendish than devils. 

Criticism, rejection, the need for respect--these things can cripple us.  We may not hide under the covers or shake uncontrollably in the fetal position , but we do become paralyzed in other ways.  It can paralyze our speech or make us indecisive.  The desire for approval can force us to hide behind certain patterns of behavior that are unbecoming or irrational.  

For instance...

• A young person feels he must buy certain clothes to be considered "cool."
• The "perfectionist's" home is driven by the appearance of being in control.
• The "people pleaser" takes on too many responsibilities and can't say no.
• She over-thinks what she says or second guesses what she did because she doesn't know if it met with approval.
• He is constantly spending money to "keep up with the Joneses."

Each of these examples is an example of someone who is ensnared.  Their ego is enslaved to the approval of others.  What's more, their lives are caught in a grinding mess of keeping this inflated image.

But the cross of Christ brings redemption.  When we crucify our ego and turn to Christ we find great freedom and safety. 

The gospel affords us a ton of relief; it provides us with the greatest form of security:  God accepts us, sinners though we are. 

Our identity is not tied to what my neighbor thinks, but now it is tied up in my union with Christ.  Here is my solace: God thinks of me as His child!  I am at peace because my life is hidden with Christ in God.

As our minds are cased upon God, we can be bold to live and speak as we ought.  There is confidence and self assurance because we know that God's approval is the only thing of real worth.  Man's approval is fleeting and vain.

Those who are in Christ do not need to be constantly looking over their shoulder or worrying what is in the minds of others.  They are freed from these hauntings because they are ever looking up to God, to please Him.

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.
Proverbs 3:9-10

Money is important to God.  That's because the way you handle it shows your heart's affection for God.  

Scripture makes it clear that propriety in the purse is a priority.  For instance, 

• Sixteen of the thirty-eight parables were concerned with how to handle money and possessions.

• In the Gospels, an amazing one out of ten verses (288 in all) deal directly with the subject of money.

• The Bible offers 500 verses on prayer, less than 500 verses on faith, but more than 2,000 verses on money and possessions.

To be sure, the sheer amount of teaching dedicated to this one topic can't be squeezed into this email.  But take note of the following priorities for the purse:

1.  Give to God and be as Generous as Possible:  
The OT tithe was the "first fruits" of the crop.  The Israelites were to give to God first, recognizing that all was His, His kingdom was first, and their livelihood was dependent upon Him.  (Mal. 3:8f; Lev. 27:30).  It was their way of showing that God was first in their lives.

In similar fashion the NT tells us to dedicate a portion of our earnings to the work of the ministry (2 Cor. 16:2).  As we make our budget, we must likewise put the glory and honor of God first in our spending habits.

2.  Live within your means: (i.e. be content)
What do you do with the rest of your money?  The answer is simple: don't squander it on wasteful living.  You must be responsible to buy only what you can afford, demonstrate thrift, and limit your pleasures. 

If your income is slim, you may need to cut out restaurants and eat a lot of rice & peanut butter.  Your car may have to be traded in for a bike.  Whatever measures you take, you are seeking to say to God: "I love you more than the things of this world and I will be happy with what you give me."

This is the glory of a monthly budget.  It helps you watch where each penny goes and stay accountable to God.  

Need help with a budget?  Check out the Every Dollar App too.

3.  Thrift:
It is interesting that after multiplying the few loaves of bread to feed a couple thousand people, the disciples picked up the leftovers.  Even though the Son of God could make bread appear out of thin air, that was no excuse to be wasteful.  

God wants us to be cognizant about what we have and thrifty in how we use it, even if we have in abundance.  Being a good steward means taking care of the all of the God given gifts in our possession, not wasting a single bit.  

4.  Save for the future:
Proverbs 30:25 tells us about ants that gather and save for the winter.  They have a forward thinking life and not a mind for the pleasures of the present.  That little bug is a sermon on how God wants us to be laying up what we can for the future.

We shouldn't leave retirement to "faith" or blindly believe that "God will take care of me."  True faith will plan now and take the proper steps to guarantee some stability for the coming "winter."
 
5.  Ditch the Debt: 
Scripture tells us that the debtor is slave to the lender (Proverbs 22:7).  Your life is essentially owned by those who hold the rights to your wallet. 

More than that, debt sucks away your income by means of interest payments.  It is usually not financially wise to pull out a car loan, rack up credit cards, or become encumbered with student loans.  You pay more in the long run.  The biblical method is to save now, buy later: 

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. (Proverbs 13:12)

This article first appeared in the Hopewell Weekly.  Subscribe to get updates, teachings, and announcements delivered to your inbox.

What is at the top of your prayer list?  What issue consumes your prayer life?  When you bow your head, what is it that you seek with the most fervor and zeal?

Is it God's glory?

• that the Lord would be known, acknowledged, and highly esteemed? 
• that His titles, attributes, ordinances, Word, and works be regarded as supremely sacred?
• that atheism and ignorance be removed, idols destroyed, and profaneness prevented?

It may be argued that the Lord's prayer has a rank and file to it.  The first three petitions focus on the Lord directly.  The second three focus on our personal interests:

• Hallowed by Your name 
• Your kingdom come 
• Your will be done
• Give us this day our daily bread
• Forgive us our debts
• Lead us not into temptation

The first of the first petitions has to do with God's honor.  It is, you may say, the "first and greatest commandment" of prayer, ranking before our daily bread and even our salvation. 

To hallow is to regard as holy, sacred, and with great admiration.  Negatively speaking, we may say that it forbids any flippant attitude towards the things of God, emptiness of heart for God, or irreligious use of those items which pertain to God.

What if we began to re-prioritize our prayers along these lines?  What if, instead of starting our prayers with our needs and earth bound concerns, we asked for a greater reverence for God in our lives:

• that the Lord's Day would be better sanctified;
• that God's name would be publicly and privately called upon;
• that the Scriptures would be given the highest esteem,
• that profanity would vanish,
• that sacrilegious activities, superstitious practices, and false teaching would disappear.

Would not many of our problems be corrected if we sought and achieved this by prayer?

To be sure, blasphemy increases problems.  "I will prepare your grave, for you are vile," said the Lord (Nahum 1:4).   We know that He does not hold him "guiltless who takes His name in vain."  

But we also know that God will "honor those who honor him."  (1 Sam 2:30).  Does this not make it all the more imperative to pray for God's name to be hallowed?

It is not by chance that this statement stands at the head of the Lord's Prayer.  The glory of God is to be the chief pursuit of our lives.  Let this priority thus beget the priority of our prayer life: Hallowed be Thy name.

Want to develop your marriage with godly goals?  The following article provides you with some specialized areas of concentration that may be helpful for you as you seek to 

1.   Speak Only Positive and Good Things About Each Other! 
Words are very powerful and have meaning.  Studies of couple who continued to speak positive and uplifting words to one another had meaningful marriages.  If you want the other person to love and take care of you for a lifetime, invest in speaking good things about one another.  Compare your relationship to a bank account.  The more positive deposits you make, the more valuable your account. 

2.  Don’t Hold Grudges!  
There will be disagreements.  Forgive easily and to work on issues.  One of the marvelous things about relationships is that we are all different.  A difference of opinion does not mean a couple is not compatible.  It just means that we all have different opinions.  We all have different ways to accomplish the same thing or there are times when the other person has a better idea.

3.  Pray For One Another Every Day! 
Marriage is a sacred institution and involves a spiritual battle.   There are forces of evil seeking to break it apart or cause friction within it.  Therefore, we must dedicate ourselves to praying with and for our mates as much as possible.  Set time apart each day to pray for your spouse's needs, protection, and advancement.  Pray that the Lord would show you how to better serve your spouse and be useful for advancing their happiness.

4.  Buy Things For One Another! 
One of the biggest complaints of marriage is when a person stops doing nice things as they did when they were dating.  Just because we are now married does not mean for us to stop sending cards, small gifts, flowers, going out on a date, and taking a special time to tell each other you love each other.  Things don’t have to be expensive, but it is the thought that counts.  Remember to invest in your relationship!

5.  Worship Together!
Marriage is difficult enough without maintaining a commitment to worship (weekly and daily).  There are too many distractions and influences that will hinder a relationship without God.  Remember your wedding vows, “What God has joined together.”  Being close to God allows a couple to seek wisdom and guidance in their relationship.  It also provides a willingness to allow forgiveness to play an important part of your marriage. 

6.  Touch, Spend Special Time Alone!  
There is something special about touching!  One thing is that is shows the importance of each other.  Touch never solves disagreements, but it does give validation to the fact that you care for the other person.  So be sure to give hugs, put your arm around your spouse, or give a simple yet loving touch on the shoulder.  Affirm your spouse and spread your affection through small, daily contacts. 

7.  Don’t Let Arguments or Disagreements Get Out Of Hand  
Disagreements in every relationship will happen, even in the best of marriages.  Either of you can call a “time out” to set a time to discuss disagreements or you may agree to disagree for that moment. 

Remember when disagreements arise, it is always best to try to limit your anger and communicate to each other in positive ways.  Never name call or place negative put-downs to one another.  Do not use humor to make the other person look stupid.  Successful marriages have learned the importance of loving one another without using negative influences or trying to get one’s way.  These will only destroy a relationship.  Once you fully understand this as a couple, you are on your way to having a more successful and productive relationship.

8.  Express Your Gratitude!
Don't take your spouse for granted.  Did she get the kids dressed?  This was a monumental thing.  Sure it has happened a thousand times, but it is no less significant each time.  Make sure she knows that you appreciate it. 

Did your husband make any kind of headway on your "honey-do" list?  Leave a little note of gratitude for him.  Your spouse needs your affirmation and regular praise.  In this "home church" we should regularly build one another up and fulfill the Lord's command to be thankful (Col. 3:15).

 
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[The above article was adapted from pastoralcareinc.com]

Fear, worry, and anxiety are just feelings - just like anger, guilt, and annoyance.  They are, to be sure, a natural part of our humanity.  But they are just emotions, and they don't have to govern us and become sin.

God created us as emotive beings.  Our emotions are part of who we are.  Each of our feelings is part of our divine design and has its place.  But, due to the fall, we must keep them in their place.  

To be sure, our problems are not our emotions.  Our problem is letting ourselves be ruled by our emotions.  When we allow our feelings to dominate us and dicatate our behavior (and not the Word of God), that is sin.

Being annoyed with the faucet dripping is not necessarily wrong.  That initial annoyance may be said to be a natural feeling.  Bashing the sink in with a sledge hammer or yelling at your husband for not fixing it would be sinful.  You've just let your emotion drive  and control you.

The same applies to fear and worry.  Fear of your child being abducted is not necessarily a bad thing.  Hovering over them every minute of their lives and not allowing them to take risks or carry out normal life activities is sinful.  That fear has come to dominate your behavior.  Parenting is no longer about raising a responsible and productive servant whose life is in the hands of God; it is about my control and squelching life.

John Piper once said that "God designed your emotions to be gauges, not guides. They’re meant to report to you, not dictate you." 

Those are beautiful words.  When it comes to fear, it is a good thing.  Fear is an emotion that reports to us: it tells us something is not right.  It reports the fact that there is danger; the potential for harm.

While worry or fear may be a God given guage, it is not a guide.  God's word is to be our guide.  Thus, we must have the Word of God rule over our emotions and we must tell them how far they are to go.  Moreover, we must will what is right in the midst of them.

Did David fear Goliath?  Certainly not like the rest of the Israelite soldiers who cowered in their foxholes.  These men (if you can call them that!) were guided  by fear.  The fear had become their boss.  They would not serve God, but served the fear.

David may have been scared.  Fear may have rightly said, "There's a human tank out there."  But even if he did have some level of concern/fear (we are not told exactly), we do know that he courageously ran towards the big oaf and accomplished the Lord's will.  Even before going to the battle feild he entrusted himself to God with his words.

When the Bible tells us to "Fear not" or "Do not worry," it is telling us not to let these emotions drive us or divert us from our God given service.   When we are annoyed, we actively work to suppress the desire to act on that annoyance.  Instead of lashing out, we try to tenderly deal with the source of our annoyance. 

When we are fearful, we do the same.  We suppress the desire to run, stew, cower, or fret.  Instead, we think of God, thank Him for this circumstance to prove Himself to be mighty, call upon His streghth and protection, and actively will to do as He would have us. 

Fear is good.  It is a guage.  We can thank God for the emotion of self preservation (or better yet, the emotion which indicates our need for God's preservation).  But it is not a guide.  It is just a feeling which, along with all other emotions, must submit to God and be kept in its place.

When dealing with worry, many good steps can be taken.  A person can pray about their worries.  They may recite Scripture verses to combat their worries.  They may try to put their worries out of their mind.  

But the worries continue.  Despite all these commendable (Biblical!) actions the fears and anxieties may persist.  What is the deal?

Perhaps we need to take a step back.  The worry-wart may have skipped a most vital step:  confession of it.  Maybe there is no redemption because you've not owed up to it before God and sought His forgiveness for it.

Scripture is clear about the role of confession.  It is not just something to do to "get something off your chest."  Confession is means of restoration and redemption. 

1 John 1:9 -  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 
John tells us that God will not just forgive us for our sin, but cleanse us of it.  This is not just a reference to the guilt of our sin.  It includes the actual presence of it too.  God works to purge away our worrisome fears as we acknowledge the reality of this sin in our lives. 

Psalms 51:17 - The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
God loves to see people who are broken for sin.  Instead of despising them, He moves near to them to help them.  He restores and "renews a right spirit" within them (Ps. 51:10).

Proverbs 28:13 - Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
If we are not confessing our sin, we are concealing it.  If that's the case, we will not prosper..  

If we don't confess our worry to God, we are concealing our transgression behind a self righteous, works based religion.  We end up acting like we don't have a problem or acting like we can handle the problem on our own.  

But if we acknowledge the evil we are involved in and take personal responsibilty for our folly, we recieve mercy.  God brings the victory of the cross to bear in our lives and the power and presence of worry will begin to wane.

So, next time your thoughts begin to race or feel yourself becoming anxitious, make a point to pray.  Humbe yourself before God and confess that you have not kept a quiet and determined mind.  Something like this may be approrpriate:

Lord,

I have not put my faith in you nor hoped in your Soveriegn care.  I am troubled by the present situation and have become guilty of stressing about the affairs of life.  I acknowledge that I am overly focused on myself: my control, my welfare, my perception before men. 

​Forgive me for being anxitious and help me to live a life before you that is pleasing.  May you give me courage to live and to work whatever may come.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Throughout history membership in a church has been a regular practice.  Christians recognized that regular attendance and participation in a local church was important.

In our modern erra this has changed. Today, many people who call themselves Christians don't see the need for regular, weekly fellowship or commitment to any one particular church.

But the Scriptures have quite a bit to say about the need for affiliation with local body of believers.  For instance, we find that it is necessary...

1. To be identified with Christ and formally associated with His people

• The Church is identified in this world by professing believers and their children. One makes profession of faith in the local church publicly, before God and his people, and so becomes part of the visible church which is the manifestation of invisible and universal church (Rom. 10:9-11, Rom. 16, Col. 4:15, WCF 25.2). 

 

• In order to partake of the full benefits of the family of God, there must be a way to identify those who are part of that family.  Publicly professing membership is the means to that end.

 

• In the Old Testament those who were identified as the people of God were members of the nation of Israel.  Gentiles who were converted became citizens of that nation.  In the New Testament the people of God are identified as the Church.  Therefore, those who are in Christ have responsibility to identify themselves with this body.

 
2.  To take part in the sacraments.

• The Lord’s Supper and baptism are for those who have made credible profession of faith and placed themselves under the authority of the Christ’s shepherds. 

 

• The table of our Lord is for those who demonstrate a life of repentance and are in good standing with the Lord.  In order to be in good standing with the church (1 Cor. 11).  

 

• Baptism is a sign of entry into the church (Acts 2:38-41; Matt. 28:19).  

 
3.  To come under the care and authority of the Elders.

• Christ has charged certain men with the duty of shepherding His people.  These authorities manifest Christ’s care in the world (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2).   Scripture mandates a Christian to subject himself to these authorities because (Hebrews 13:17).  

• The terms for the church in the original languages mean ‘called out ones,’ thus denoting their duty of holiness.  The elders and church body provide encouragement toward and accountability in this endeavor.

• Church discipline requires elder oversight and membership.  If someone is excommunicated, it means being cast out of the church (Matthew 18; 1 Cor. 5; Titus 3:10)

 
4.  To be united in full fellowship with their brothers and sisters in Christ and enjoy the rights and privileges of the church. 

• Christians are to edify one another with their gifts and graces (1 Cor. 12:12f): Teaching, governing (elders), helping (deacons).  This is best done when there is a distinct commitment for regularly meeting with one another.  Everywhere Scripture talks about gifts it assumes a united body (Romans 12, 1 Cor. 12)

 

• A Christian is to care for his brother, encourage them, and demonstrate specific acts of love and good works on their behalf (Gal. 6:2, 1 Cor. 16:1f, 1 Thess. 4:18, John 13:34,35).  

5.  To advance the church in the world

• Missions takes organization and coordination of resources (Phil. 1:5, Matt. 28:19,20).  If people neglect membership then evangelism is hindered.

 

• Christians are to participate in the election of officers, calling of pastors, and other administrations of the church (e.g. budgets).  Voting in the local church can only be done in and through membership.

Do not be anxious.  Fear not. Let not your heart be troubled.  Do not be weighed down with the cares of life.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.  Easier said than done, right?  

The Bible is replete with commands not to worry.  The admonitions against it are so clear and repetitive that one can easily become worried about becoming worried!

But God's word is clear:  We must wage war on worry.  We have a duty to not let ourselves be distracted with it or dominated by it.

But how do we do this?  How can we experience sanctification in this area?  

The first step is to confess it and take responsibility for it.  That is to say, when thoughts begin to race around in our minds and we become obsessed with particular situations (real or fantasized), we must own up to the fact that we are in sin.  We are in fact disobeying God.

One of the reasons anxiety persists in our lives is because we fail in this, the most simple and basic part of repentance.  Instead of turning to God, we will do one of the following:

1.  We blame others -  I'm worried because my kid is 10 minutes past curfew.  My boss was supposed to tell me if I got the promotion last week. It's not my fault I'm strung out, right?  Wrong.  You may worry about others, but they are not the cause of your worries.  Your anxiety is due only to your own sinful proclivity.  Don't pass the buck onto them.

2.  We minimize it -  To many people, worry is not a sin.  We don't want to admit that it is a transgression against God and a form of disobedience.  We'd rather think of it as "deep concern" or think of ourselves as having a full heart.  But we must be true to Scripture and recognize that it is indeed an offense to our Lord.

3.  We excuse it -  I have a right to be worried, after all I'm his father/mother.  I'm a worrier; it's just who I am.  Someone has to be concerned around here.  We will come up with all kinds of justifications.  We will rationalize our sin into perfect reasonableness.  But the truth is, we do not have a right or excuse to be all hot and bothered about anything.

4.  We think we have no power over it -  I can't stop it. I've been this way all my life.  It is a disorder. I can only cope and make do.  This is the defeatist mentality.  Its saying that redemption isn't possible, so why even try repenting?  In the words of Churchill, "Never, never, never give up."  The Lord has not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.

5.  We gloss over it - For many, worry isn't even considered to be a sin.  They don't think of it as being a real infraction against God's law.  It could be thought of as a problem or struggle that they have, but not a sin.  But Scripture is clear: it is a grave error and serious offense to God.  It must be confessed and repented of.

If we are ever going to seek victory over worry, we must wage war on it.  This means we must first come to terms with it and own up to it before God. As we begin taking responsibility for our sin and acknowledging our failures to God, we will be well on our way to victory in that battle.

Click the pictures to view the full scale gallery.

Over the course of the next year we will be making our confession of faith through the use of the New City Catechism.  This contemporary teaching tool covers some of the basics of the Christian faith.  

This video gives you a little introduction to the NCC and a brief synopsis of why we as Christians need catechisms for our growth in Christ.

​Sure you do.  Everyone wants to enjoy the good life.  No one wants to wake up and curse the fact that the sun has risen again.

But did you know that it is possible to love life and enjoy good days?  In Psalm 34 the Lord tells us the key to making this happen:

Whoever desires to love life and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil and
his lips from speaking deceit; 
let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it. ​

The weapons of our warfare ...have divine power to destroy strongholds.  2 Cor. 10:4

"I'm not the greatest; I'm the double greatest. Not only do I knock 'em out, I pick the round."

Thus were the words of famed boxer Muhammad Ali.  He may have been a pompous jerk, but there was no doubting the fact that he was a powerful force to be reckoned with in the ring.  Once you came face to face with the heavyweight champion, you knew that power first hand.

When it comes to the Bible, we can apply Ali's words more directly.  Scripture isn't just the greatest; it is the double greatest.  There is not one book that can compare with its power.  It has a supernatural force that penetrates deep and powerfully moves upon the souls of men.  No book can compare with its ability to convict, convert, and built up.

The gospel is the power of God for salvation.  The Word of God is living and active, able to pierce down to the innermost parts of the soul.  Its nature is to revive, delight the heart, enrich, and suppress evil.  For those who are not redeemed, it is the fragrance of death. For those who are unregenerate, it acts like chains that restrain the heart from acting out.

Read anything.  Read a novel; the best one you can find.  Make it a classic; one that has stood the test of time and been commended by the masses of humanity.  Then read the Bible.  You will find that while the former may be entertaining, persuasive, informative, or enlightening. It may move you to laugh, cry, or leave you wanting more at the end.  But it will not have the same effect as the Bible.

The Scriptures, being divine in nature, have spiritual vitality.  They exert a power over you that will either anger or agitate you, or comfort and encourage you.  

Perhaps you've had just such an experience.  You've had different literature that you've read for a certain amount of time.  It actually took over for your devotional reading of Scripture.  You enjoyed the reading.  You were drawn back to it again and again. 

But then you took up the Scriptures.  As you read it, you could tell that there was something different about it.  It had an impact that was much more significant.  It "spoke" to you in a deeper fashion than the other book.

Or perhaps it was the other way around.  I've found in my passing out of gospel tracts that more people become intently angered over that little slip of paper than anything else in the world.  If I had given them a copy of the Book of Mormon or the JW's Watchtower, they'd probably never would have batted an eye.  But since it was God's Word on that paper, it spooked them.

That is a testimony of the inherent power of God's Word.  It has an efficacy that goes far beyond all human books.  It doesn't just tickle the mind; it touches the soul. 

Because we can see and feel the Spirit working by it we can understand that it comes from the Spirit.

An exhibition at the Field Museum in Chicago displays a particularly radiant set of diamonds known as "colorless diamonds."  These diamonds are some of the most precious stones in all the earth.  This is because, unlike most diamonds, they lack the slightest tint of yellow or brown. 

In a similar way, the purity of the Bible sets it apart from all other writings.  Scripture is distinguished as the highest of books because it does not contain even the slightest fleck of immorality or sinful corruption. 

Every human composition, no matter how virtuous it may be in its content, bears some fatal flaw.  The taint of sin will be found in it to one degree or another.  It may say many wonderful things.  It may give much wisdom.  But somewhere or somehow it will promote sin and show its earthly origin.

The Bible, however, reveals itself to be divine in nature because it reflects the perfect purity of God Himself.   This is why the Christian scriptures have become known throughout history as "the Holy Bible."  No other book can bear such an epitaph because no other book can be said to be flawless in doctrine and spotless in moral virtue. 

This doesn't mean the Bible is without its detractors.  Many men seek to assail the purity of the Scriptures.  Many scoffers have said that it promotes murder (i.e. the extermination of the Canaanites), diminishes human dignity (slavery), and presents a sadistic God (one who sacrifices His Son).

But such attacks are without grounds and arise only from a spirit of animosity.  The holiness of the Bible is easily discovered when one reads through it. 

It doesn't take long to see how vigorously it denounces sin and shows how abhorrent it really is.  Never once does it condone the slightest evil or allow for its indulgence.  Instead, it roots out sin from the most secret recesses of the heart, guards against it, and leads only to a life of holiness. 

To be sure, this is why most people will not dare to read the Bible: they fear it will expose their guilt, remind them of God's vengeance, and lead them away from the corruptions they currently enjoy.

But if you ever needed assurance that the Bible is God's word, all you have to do is read it.  It validates itself.  As you examine it you will find that each page bears the insignia of a holy God.  To be sure, "Every word of God is flawless."  Prov. 30:5

There are many creative works that men have produced that may be said to be “inspirational.”

For instance, Michelangelo's paintings are some of the most brilliant of all time.  If you watch the old classic “On the Waterfront” or a modern Spielberg film, you will be mesmerized by the quality of cinematography.  

In the literary world, Milton’s Paradise Lost displays the mastery that he had over his pen.  The oratory power of the ancient Greeks (people like Cicero, Plato, etc) sets them apart and puts them in the lofty category of “classics” because their rhetorical talent is obvious.

All of these present something of the supreme artistry of mankind.  These works have a distinct beauty and demonstrate a higher level of creativity than what you normally find on earth. 

But one of the distinct proofs for Scripture being the very word of God is that it has a style that is much more profound than all of these.  As you read through the pages of Scripture you cannot help but notice that it exudes a heavenly elegance.  Or, as theologians have often said, the Spirit of God verifies the divine origin and unique authority of Scripture in the majestic style that we witness in its pages.

The loftiness of the Bible, it should be noted, is not due to any rhetorical embellishment or sophistication.  There is no particular cadence, flashy wording, or theatrical technique employed.  If the truth be told, the Bible is unabashedly simple.  As a matter of fact, it employs such a plain and ordinary style that small children can read and understand it.

Yet, despite having no excessive color or decoration, it is easy to perceive that “the Holy Scriptures breathe out something divine, and surpass all the gifts and graces of human industry.” (Calvin)  Or, in the words of the Apostle Paul, Scripture does not possess “enticing words of man’s wisdom,” but it nevertheless is filled with a “demonstration of the Spirit and of power.”

One pastor set forth a challenge to anyone to try and create a document that would rival the Bible's unique majesty.  Could someone create a fifth gospel? Could another psalm be composed which would trick men to thinking it was penned by the Holy Spirit?  The answer is no.  For no man can imitate the supernal style of the Spirit.

In effect, imitations has already been attempted.  Many other books could have been chosen to be a part of the Bible in the early centuries.  They, however, eventually fell by the wayside.  Even today, many books put themselves forward as sacred script.  But none are recognized to possess the same grandeur that is found in the Bible.

It is not without reason that the Bible has been called the “God of books” and looked at as the most wonderful literary creation of all time.  It declares its own uniqueness in every line.  And if one wants proof that God speaks in and through His Word, all we must do is read and listen to it.

Hopewell will be having a used book & curriculum sale to help raise money for this year's national Bible Bee qualifiers.  Anyone who would like to sell their supplies is welcome to purchase vending space.  ​

The sale is scheduled for June 2nd from 10-4.  It will be located in our meeting room at Hedstrom Plastics (100 Hedstrom Drive).  

​See the flyer below for details or send us an email for more information.

Envy has many vile manifestations (complaints, theft, vandalism, and cheating to name a few). But it mainly lurks within and goes unnoticed by the average onlooker.

To be sure, the outward expressions may be likened to the tip of an iceberg sticking out of the water. The greater mass of it lies deep beneath the surface where nobody can see.

​Envy is that grief one feels at the fortune of others. One theologian summed it up as an internal "disquietude." That's merely a fancy way of saying that you're irked because someone has something you don't.

The point is that your soul is not displaying the "quiet," peaceful happiness that accompanies contentment. Instead, you're agitated and given to all kinds of unhealthy emotions and imaginations. You brood, murmur, and are angry. You curse under your breath and you devise scenarios in your mind that are not charitable towards others.

For instance,

1. Ahab is describe as being "restless" because of Naboth's vineyard. He couldn't sleep because he was so aggravated.
2. Saul was so perturbed at David's achievements and popularity that he seemed mentally ill.
3. The religious leaders come across as unhappy people because of their jealousy of Jesus' following.

​
Think about how this irritation is displayed in your own life. You may be sad because don't have those granite counter-tops. You mope and are angry because someone else got the promotion. You secretly hope your neighbor hits a speed bump too hard in his new sports car.

Your discontent has not only robbed you of personal peace, happiness, and thankfulness, but it has put you in a frame of mind that is altogether uncharitable.

Since he Lord requires holiness in the inward parts, subduing inward sin is paramount to our sanctification. To this end, be mindful of the following ways to subdue envy:

1. Savor what God has given you and strive to be thankful for it.

2. Strive with diligence to serve God with what you have. If you are faithful in little things, the Lord will likely add more blessings. If you serve him diligently and maintain a sweet comportment are typically God's means to increase.

3. Consider that God may take away what you do have if you make no contentment in it. "Even what he has will be taken away." Those where the words that haunted the unfaithful steward in the Parable of the Talents.

4. Remember that you are rich. You own more than you had when you first entered life. You possess more than all those who have died. Even what you have should not be in your possession due to having sinned against God and forfeited the right to these blessings.

5. Remember that getting what you want may not be good. Rachel's desire for a child was blown way out of proportion. In the end, God gave her a child, and she ended up dying as she gave birth to him.

This teaching was included in the Hopewell Weekly, Hopewell's weekly newsletter.  If you would like to subscribe and stay connected on all the events, teachings, and prayer requests, you can sign up here.

This past Lord's Day we were blessed to have two young people make their professions of faith and to receive some new brothers into communing fellowship.  We pray that the Lord will establish and prosper them in every way!

God is infinite in his being and the only supreme good.  We were made for Him and were designed to find our delight in Him. 

Put these two facts together and you understand: No other thing in this world can bring us true happiness or satisfy the longings of our soul.  Nothing in creation can compare with Him or measure up to Him. 

Enjoying God does not come easy.  But we can be more apt to relish Him when we understand the depth and degree to which the Lord enjoys us.

The best job I've ever had was being an elementary school gym teacher.  If the pay had been worth while, I may never have left it.  The reason was simple:  I had the admiration of every kid in that building.

I didn't know anything about teaching.  I had no snazzy methods or dazzling teaching techniques.  I was just in charge of play.  My day consisted of kickball, dodgeball, tag, basketball, and what amounts to infinite fun.

And the kids loved it; they loved ME.  I could do no wrong in their eyes.  They looked forward to my class.  They shouted at me in the hallways, "HI COACH!"  The level of enthusiasm of these wee tots was cranked to extreme every day.

But I've also taught high school sophomores. 

Not long after starting that job did I learn the etymology of the term.  It may go without saying that these were dark days in my life.  If purgatory were a real, I would certainly say that it consists of two consecutive periods of being an instructor at this level.

It is obvious which group of kids I enjoyed most and who's company I preferred.  I delighted in the wee tots because they so much delighted in me.

This provides us with one of the keys to enjoying God.  We will be more inclined to enjoy God when we understand just how enamored He is with us.

Sometimes we do not fully enjoy God because we do not fully realize the extent to which the Lord delights in us.  Often our view of God is distorted: we see him as an angry tyrant, an ogre, an unpalatable judge.  As a result, we live in fear of Him and serve from a distance.

But we must remember that this is a false image.  The Lord always sees us in Christ.  Thus, we may hear the echos of "This is my son, in whom I am well pleased." 

God's Word emphasizes this repeatedly when it tells us that He rejoices over us with singing; He works all things for our good, and He loves us with an everlasting love.

Psalm 147 & 149 state it in the clearest language when they say, "The Lord takes pleasure in his people."

God takes pleasure in us!  It is no wonder why these two Psalms are so jubilant and full of praise.  The Psalmist is only reciprocating the personal exuberance that God himself shows to us.​

Read more in this week's Hopewell Weekly...

Hopewell was blessed to participate in Mansfield's annual pro-life walk/rally again this year.  The Richland Source provided coverage of the event and highlighted some of Hopewell's involvement.

We might note that the RS article does need some modification.  Those who participated numbered well over 100 people.