https://sa.hpwl.org/podcasts/45148/ The newest sermons from Hopewell Associate Reformed Presbyterian on SermonAudio. Religion & Spirituality Hopewell Associate Reformed Presbyterian http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification https://vps.sermonaudio.com/resize_image/sources/podcast/1440/1440/hopewellarp-02.jpg https://sa.hpwl.org/podcasts/45148/ en Fri, 03 Apr 2026 20:17:26 +0000 30 James Hakim no James Hakim church@hopewellarp.org The newest sermons from Hopewell Associate Reformed Presbyterian on SermonAudio. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/42261933454305 How does Deuteronomy end? Deuteronomy 34 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these twelve verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Deuteronomy ends, looking forward to Christ. The devotional presents a meditation on divine purpose, faithful service, and the ultimate hope found in Christ. It centers on Moses's final moments—granted a vision of the Promised Land he cannot enter, an example of the partial yet meaningful participation of believers in God's eternal plan, even when full fulfillment lies beyond their lifetime. The transition to Joshua, empowered by the Spirit through divinely appointed ordination, affirms the biblical doctrine of ordination as a sacred, Spirit-empowered calling rooted in God's Word, not human preference. Yet the passage culminates in a transcendent expectation: no prophet has arisen like Moses, but the true fulfillment of all prophecy is found in Jesus Christ, Who alone knows God face to face, performs divine signs, and accomplishes redemption through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection. Thus, the entire narrative points beyond all human instruments to Christ as the sole source of hope, the author and finisher of God's redemptive work, and the ultimate object of faith. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/42261933454305 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:16:55 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/4226215613122 Whom does the Lord save and use? Mark 2:13–22 prepares us for the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord saves and uses those who need Him and delight in Him. Jesus reveals Himself as the essential qualification for service, salvation, and joy. By calling Levi, a despised tax collector, He demonstrates that true spiritual qualification comes not from moral performance but from union with Him, who transforms lives through His grace. His fellowship with sinners underscored that salvation is for sinners. The disciples' lack of fasting is not negligence but a proper response to the presence of the Bridegroom—Jesus Himself—whose nearness calls for joy, not fasting. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/4226215613122 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:19:50 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/4226232624847 In what does a healthy church desire to participate? Song of Songs 8:8–12 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that a healthy church desires to participate in the planting and making healthy of other churches, and in producing the fruit of mature believers, whom the Lord Jesus so highly values. The passage presents the church as fulfilling her responsibility to nurture and fortify other churches and to actively engage in church planting, revitalization, and missions as co-laborers with Christ. The imagery of the vineyard underscores the immense value God places on every believer, honoring both Christ and Christ-given ministers by bringing forth the fruit that they so highly value. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/4226232624847 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:16:56 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/42261739574779 How can Christians come from despair to delight? Psalm 13 looks forward to the midweek devotional. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we can come from despair to delight by laying hold of the Lord's laying hold of us, in prayer. The devotional unfolds Psalm 13, a portrait of the believer's spiritual struggle—marked by feelings of divine abandonment, inner turmoil, public humiliation, and the threat of unbelief. Pastor emphasizes that such experiences, though painful, are not necessarily signs of unbelief but may occur in a living relationship with God, where the believer's deepest anguish arises not from circumstances alone, but from losing the sense of God's favor and presence. In prayer, the believer lays hold of God's character, His covenant faithfulness, and the certainty of His ultimate provision. Through prayer, the soul is renewed, not because circumstances change immediately, but by God Himself laying hold of the believer, and giving the believer to lay hold of Him. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/42261739574779 Religion & Spirituality Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:17:52 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/4226165337367 Who is the bride? Song of Songs 8:5–7 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that she is the glorious origin, display, and beloved of the Bridegroom. The devotional meditates upon the inseparable union between Christ and His church. Song of Songs 8:5–7 portrays the church as both the source from which Christ was born in the flesh and the eternal object of His unyielding, divine love. Central to this message is the theological truth that God's love is stronger than death, more enduring than the grave, and utterly unconquerable by any force—neither can floods of wrath overcome it or the wealth of the whole world compare to its value. The church's glory lies in being both the nurturing womb of Christ's incarnation and the cherished recipient of His passionate, jealous, and fiery love, which produces in believers a reciprocal love of the same kind for Him. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/4226165337367 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:14:51 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/41262244377749 What does the text emphasize about Jesus, in healing the leper and the paralytic? Mark 1:40–2:12 prepares us for the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these eighteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the gospel emphasizes Jesus's compassion and power. This passage reveals Jesus Christ as both deeply compassionate and supremely powerful, embodying divine love through His willingness to touch the unclean and His authority to forgive sins. His compassion is evident in His emotional response to the leper and His tender address of the paralytic as 'son,' while His power is demonstrated not only in physical healing but in the greater miracle of spiritual forgiveness—affirming His divine identity as the Son of Man with authority on earth to forgive sins. The response of faith from the leper and the friends of the paralytic, who break through the roof to reach Him, illustrates the urgency to come to Christ. The crowd's glorification of God reflects the proper human response to such divine power and grace, calling believers to marvel at Christ's love, embrace His forgiveness, and persevere in seeking Him with faith and devotion. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/41262244377749 Religion & Spirituality Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:09:52 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/32726130574829 What is the blessedness of God's people? Deuteronomy 32:48–33:29 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these thirty-four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God Himself is the greatest blessing of His people. Moses, at the end of his life, delivers a final blessing to the tribes of Israel, culminating in a profound declaration of God's covenantal love and sovereignty. The passage reveals God as the ultimate source of blessing—riding the heavens, sustaining His people with everlasting arms, and defeating enemies on their behalf. The blessings to each tribe are not merely material promises but covenantal affirmations, with special emphasis on Levi's role in spiritual leadership and the enduring significance of divine election. The climax of the blessing is the declaration that Israel's true happiness lies not in land or wealth, but YHWH Himself, in and through Christ. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/32726130574829 Religion & Spirituality Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:17:55 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/32726034502064 How can the heart be kept safe? Proverbs 23:12–24:2 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these twenty-six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we keep our heart safe from following evil by giving it to the wise's wisdom. The devotional centers on the vital importance of cultivating a wise and godly heart through faithful instruction, disciplined correction, and loyal devotion to godly parents and generations past and future. From Proverbs 23:12–24:2, it emphasizes that true wisdom begins with the heart's surrender to divine truth, parental guidance, and the fear of the Lord, rather than worldly allurements such as drunkenness, gluttony, or immoral relationships. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/32726034502064 Religion & Spirituality Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:15:50 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/321261512324686 How does God display Himself as the only true God? Deuteronomy 31:30–32:47 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these forty-eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God displays Himself as the only true God by saving sinners, with whom He persists until glory. This powerful song serves as a divine witness to the covenant relationship between God and His people, summarizing the entire book of Deuteronomy in a poetic and prophetic form. It begins by proclaiming the majesty and faithfulness of Yahweh as the eternal Rock, the source of justice, truth, and salvation, while lamenting Israel's ingratitude and idolatry as they grow fat and forget their divine Father. The song vividly portrays God's judgment on their unfaithfulness—through exile, devastation, and divine withdrawal—yet underscores that even in wrath, YHWH remains sovereignly gracious, preserving His people for future redemption. The climax affirms that YHWH alone is God, the One Who kills and makes alive, wounds and heals, and Who will ultimately avenge His people and restore them, culminating in the redemptive revelation of Christ. The call to set one's heart on God's words, to teach them to future generations, and to live by them as the very essence of life, underscores the enduring purpose of Scripture: to lead God's people to know Him as the only true and living God, the source of all life, joy, and hope. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/321261512324686 Religion & Spirituality Sat, 21 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:26:43 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/32326234454758 What determines the course of history? Nahum 1:12–2:2 prepares us for the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the course of history is determined by God's decree to save unto His glory. The devotional unfolds a divine dual message through Nahum's prophecy: to Judah, a promise of deliverance and restoration (affirming that God's decree ends both foreign oppression and personal affliction), while to Nineveh, a pronouncement of complete and irreversible judgment, erasing its name and idols as a testament to the supremacy of YHWH. The ultimate aim of God's redemptive plan is the glory of His Israel. The passage culminates in a vision of God's eternal purpose: to gather a people who, having been emptied, are filled with His glory and live in faithful obedience and worship. This is the end of enemies and the end of affliction. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/32326234454758 Religion & Spirituality Sat, 21 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:14:52 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/32326224284590 What does the bride desire most? Song of Songs 8:1–4 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that what the bride desires most is more of the pleasure of the Bridegroom. The devotional unfolds the church's longing to please Christ through faithful worship, teaching, and fruit-bearing ministry, in a love that is openly approved, abundantly expressed, deeply dependent, and undisturbed in its devotion. The bride's declaration that His left hand is under her head and His right hand embraces her underscores that every act of service and worship is sustained by divine strength, calling for continual humility and gratitude rather than self-achievement. The charge to the daughters of Jerusalem reflects a solemn warning against disrupting the church's worship and teaching. Ultimately, the church's highest aim is to be a people whose collective life and worship bring Christ genuine pleasure, desiring both revival and His return. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/32326224284590 Religion & Spirituality Fri, 20 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:22:49 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/32326205951370 How does Jesus keep the Sabbath? Mark 1:21–39 prepares us for the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these nineteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus keeps the Sabbath holy unto the Lord, and by being unto us the Lord of His holy Sabbath. The devotional presents the Lord's Day through the lens of Mark 1:21–39, portraying Jesus as the Lord of the Sabbath, Whose actions reveal the essence of holy rest: not mere cessation from labor, but active, joyful fellowship with God. Through His authoritative teaching in the synagogue, His powerful deliverance of a man possessed by an unclean spirit, and His healing of the sick—including Peter's mother-in-law—Jesus demonstrates that the Sabbath is a sacred gathering where Christ Himself speaks, acts, and restores. The Lord's Day is defined by the presence and power of Christ, Who calls His people to gather for worship, hear His Word with spiritual awe, and be transformed by His grace. Even in the quiet solitude of early morning prayer, Jesus models the deeper rest of intimate communion with the Father, calling believers to extend the Sabbath's spiritual vitality beyond public worship into private devotion. Ultimately, the devotional calls the church to embrace the entire Lord's Day as an unique engagement with God in Christ, in public and private worship. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/32326205951370 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 19 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:12:45 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/318262313135326 Of what must we always take note? Proverbs 22:22–23:11 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these nineteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we must always take note of before whom we stand. The devotional centers on the enduring principle of living before God in all relationships and decisions, emphasizing divine accountability in matters of justice, wealth, and character. The call to self-control, discernment, and integrity is reinforced through vivid imagery, urging believers to prioritize God's presence above all else, whether in the presence of rulers, in personal relationships, or in the pursuit of earthly usefulness and joy. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/318262313135326 Religion & Spirituality Wed, 18 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:19:56 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/316261815403219 How is God's glory revealed in wrath? Nahum 1:7–11 prepares us for the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God's glory is revealed in the justice of His wrath, but especially in the mercy that He shows to those whom He has chosen in love. The passage presents a powerful contrast between God's role as a stronghold for those who trust in Him and His role as a consuming fire of judgment against His enemies, particularly the Assyrian empire and its leader Sennacherib. Central to the message is the truth that God's goodness—eternal and self-sufficient—is the foundation of His mercy and the reason for creation. The text emphasizes that to conspire against God's people is to conspire against God Himself, and that all who live for anything other than His glory will face utter destruction. The devotional calls both believers and unbelievers to recognize their true position before God: either as those sheltered by His grace or as those consumed by His justice. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/316261815403219 Religion & Spirituality Mon, 16 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:19:11 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/31426195451470 What does the bride delight to do? Song of Songs 7:9b–13 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the bride delights to produce fruit that delights her Beloved. The passage reveals the deep, mutual delight between Christ and His church, portrayed through intimate imagery of love, spiritual awakening, and shared mission. Central to this vision is the church's joyful, grace-enabled ministry—evangelism, discipleship, and worship—performed not for self-gain but to fulfill Christ's heart, delighting Him by nurturing spiritual life in the 'sleepers' and celebrating every sign of resurrection, growth, and fruitfulness. Ultimately, the church's purpose is to reflect Christ's glory, to be conformed to His image, and to find its deepest joy in giving Him what He delights in—His people alive, growing, and bearing fruit in His likeness. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/31426195451470 Religion & Spirituality Sat, 14 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:18:55 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/31326175804018 What kind of Savior is Jesus, of what kind of people? Mark 1:12–20 prepares us for the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus is a Savior Who humbled Himself to save a lowly people. The passage presents a striking portrayal of Jesus' humble and sacrificial entrance into His ministry, marked by wilderness temptation, and the imprisonment of His forerunner, John the Baptist. Rather than ascending to power in Jerusalem, Jesus begins His mission in Galilee, proclaiming the kingdom of God with a call to repentance and faith, emphasizing that true salvation requires radical transformation. He calls ordinary, lowly fishermen—men of no social standing or wealth—demonstrating that His power is revealed through weakness. The narrative underscores the profound mystery of divine glory revealed in humility. This paradox of glory in humility invites believers to worship not only Christ's exalted majesty but also His willing descent into human frailty. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/31326175804018 Religion & Spirituality Fri, 13 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:08:05 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/3122619194596 What is Moses's last official act as the leader of Israel? Deuteronomy 31:14–29 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these sixteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Moses's last official act as the leader of Israel is to call three witnesses against them and their future betrayal of the Lord. In this passage, God prepares Israel for the transition after Moses' death by establishing three enduring witnesses to testify against their inherent tendency toward rebellion and forgetfulness. Through the prophetic song, the written Law placed beside the Ark, and the testimony of heaven and earth, God provides lasting reminders of His holiness, faithfulness, and judgment. These witnesses are not merely historical records but living tools to confront the heart's inclination toward idolatry, especially in times of prosperity when spiritual complacency threatens. Ultimately, the message calls the church to steward these divine witnesses—Scripture, song, and creation—so that they may not testify against us, but instead draw us into deeper faith, obedience, and love for the living God. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/3122619194596 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 12 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:15:56 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/3112620019152 What should we do with God's Word? Proverbs 22:17–21 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should attend to God's Word as the means by which He makes us to know Him as everything to us. This passage presents a divine call to intentional, holistic engagement with God's Word, framing the reception of Scripture as a physical, emotional, and spiritual discipline. It instructs believers to incline their ears, apply their hearts, and internalize God's word so deeply that it governs their core—shaping thought, emotion, will, and action. The ultimate purpose is not merely personal transformation but the ability to confidently and truthfully speak God's word to others, rooted in a deep trust in YHWH. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/3112620019152 Religion & Spirituality Wed, 11 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:21:34 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/31026144483323 What would God have us do, now, with His wrath? Nahum 1:2–6 prepares us for the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord would have us mindful of the reality and nature of His wrath. God's judgment is not merely retributive but rooted in His holy jealousy and glory. Though slow to anger and patient, God is great in power and will by no means acquit the wicked, His wrath being sudden, incomprehensible, and universally destructive—evidenced in cosmic upheaval and the withering of creation. The world's continued existence is due to divine patience, not absence of judgment. The ultimate answer to the question of who can stand before His wrath is Jesus, Who bore that wrath on the cross, making Him the only refuge for sinners. The devotion issues an urgent call to flee to Christ, to hate sin with holy dread, and to find comfort in God's certain justice. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/31026144483323 Religion & Spirituality Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:15:54 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/39262211275212 How much does Jesus adore and enjoy the church? Song of Songs 7:1–9a prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord Jesus is captivated with delight in His bride. The devotional presents the church as the beloved bride of Christ, emphasizing her beauty in the divine actions and spiritual qualities that reflect His grace. It unfolds a theological vision where the church's feet—her godly actions—are celebrated as beautiful footprints of divine workmanship, the work of Christ's own skillful hand. Her nourishing ministry, depicted through wine and wheat, reflects the means of grace through which Christ sustains His people, while her watchful purity, likened to ivory and royal towers, underscores the importance of spiritual vigilance and doctrinal integrity. The devotional culminates in the bride's adorning beauty—her godly character, modesty, and worship—portrayed as surpassing earthly splendor, with her hair like purple and her stature like Mount Carmel, signifying her royal identity and spiritual fullness. Ultimately, Christ goes to great lengths to delight not only in the church's works but especially in her worship, where her breath is like apples and her speech like fine wine, affirming that true worship is the highest expression of her love and the greatest delight to her Bridegroom. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/39262211275212 Religion & Spirituality Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:27:50 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/362615146560 Who is the Messiah, and what did He do? Mark 1:1–11 prepares us for the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these eleven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus, the Son of God, came as the Christ Who would pour out His Spirit, and take away people's sins. Mark's Gospel opens with the proclamation of good news: Jesus is the divine Savior, the Anointed One, and the Son of God, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy through His identity, mission, and divine nature. In Jesus's baptism, His sinlessness is affirmed by the Father and the Holy Spirit descends like a dove, marking Him as the one who baptizes with the Spirit and brings forgiveness, cleansing, and divine union. This event reveals Jesus as the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King. The call is not merely to acknowledge these truths, but to respond in worship, repentance, and daily reliance on Christ as Savior and God, Who has brought us into union and communion with Himself. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/362615146560 Religion & Spirituality Fri, 06 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:10:49 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/3526164222466 Why do we need the rod of correction? Proverbs 22:10–16 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God blesses His discipline and instruction unto our deliverance from folly. This passage presents a profound call to divine discipline and instruction as the means by which God delivers His people from the deep-seated follies of the human heart. It identifies four persistent sins—graceless speech, laziness and excuse-making, indulgence of desires, and the pursuit of wealth through oppression—each rooted in a heart that resists God's wisdom. The text emphasizes that true transformation comes not through self-effort but through the sovereign work of God, Who uses the rod of correction and the words of the wise to drive folly from the heart. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/3526164222466 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:14:10 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/362603751387 How do covenant blessings come from one generation to the next in God's visible church? Deuteronomy 31:9–13 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that covenant blessings come from one generation to the next in God's visible church by means of the public hearing of all of His Word. The central message of the devotional is that God's Word, faithfully read and heard in corporate assembly, is the primary means by which His people are renewed in reverence, obedience, and faith. Rooted in Deuteronomy 31:9–13, the passage emphasizes that the public reading of the Law every seven years—during the Feast of Tabernacles—was designed to cultivate a generational fear of God, ensuring that all, including children and strangers, would hear, learn to fear Him, and live according to His commandments. True obedience flows not from legalistic pride but from a heart humbled by the holiness of God's Word, received with meekness and applied in gospel-centered action. The weekly gathering of the Church on the Lord's Day fulfills the Old Testament pattern, with the goal of proclaiming the whole counsel of God so that believers and their children may grow in humility, reverence, and faithful obedience. Ultimately, the devotional calls the church to steward God's Word with holy seriousness, trusting that the Spirit uses it to produce lasting spiritual fruit across generations. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/362603751387 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:15:53 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/34262248457732 For what does the Lord institute baptism? Matthew 28:16–20 prepares us for the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord institutes baptism as a sign of Christ's authority and power in His gathering church. The devotional centers on Matthew 28:16–20, presenting Jesus' post-resurrection commission as the climactic fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham and the culmination of Matthew's Gospel. Jesus, identified as the divine King with all authority in heaven and on earth, confronts lingering doubt among His disciples by affirming His identity as Almighty, echoing God's self-revelation to Abram. He then issues the Great Commission—making disciples of all nations—fulfilling the Abrahamic promise through a dual means of initiation: baptism in the triune name and ongoing teaching of His commands. The devotional emphasizes that this mission is sustained by Christ's eternal presence, not by human effort, and that the visible sign of baptism signifies Christ's sovereign grace. Ultimately, the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is, in His Son, the living hope and empowering presence for believers, enabling the making of every disciple for whom Christ died. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/34262248457732 Religion & Spirituality Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:24:59 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/332603358307 Why does the Bridegroom now address the bride with such affection? Song of Songs 6:4–13 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Bridegroom is assuring the bride that she, and their relationship, have been fully restored. The devotional presents the restoration of intimacy between Christ and His bride in Song of Songs 6:4–13, illustrating the Lord's unwavering love, even after spiritual estrangement. Central to the message is the affirmation that Christ's affection for His church remains unchanged, as He reaffirms her beauty, purity, and unique worth, likening them to Jerusalem and Tirzah—symbols of divine glory and royal dignity. The passage emphasizes not only the restoration of personal affection and praise but also the full restoration of union and glory, where the church is exalted as the beloved, recognized and celebrated by all heavenly saints. Even in times of spiritual barrenness, Christ is portrayed as attentively watching for the first signs of revival, longing to return to His bride with joy and urgency, as His soul flies to her at the slightest indication of life. The devotional concludes with an invitation to embrace this assurance, to walk in renewed confidence, and to experience the deep joy of being seen, cherished, and restored by Christ, who delights in His church and invites others to behold her heavenly glory. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/332603358307 Religion & Spirituality Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:19:54 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/228261944145758 What sort of book is Nahum? Nahum 1:1 prepares us for the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Nahum is divine Scripture that hangs the weight of certain judgment around the neck of Nineveh, and all the enemies of God. The book of Nahum delivers a solemn and weighty prophecy against Nineveh, portraying God's inevitable judgment on evil. Though Nineveh had previously repented in the days of Jonah, Nahum reveals that its sin has now reached a point of no return. The prophecy, given as a vision and later inscribed in Scripture, underscores that God's word is the ultimate authority for faith and life. The name Nahum, meaning 'comfort,' highlights the deep solace found in God's certain destruction of evil. The prophet's obscure origin emphasizes that true significance lies in divine appointment and faithful service. Ultimately, the message calls believers to take sin seriously, flee to Christ, and find lasting peace in the certainty of God's righteous judgment. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/228261944145758 Religion & Spirituality Sat, 28 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:12:59 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/227261846286105 How must a man lead the people of God? Deuteronomy 31:1–8 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that those who lead the people of God must do so as those who are trusting in the Lord, and leading others in trusting in Him. The devotional emphasizes that while Moses' departure and Joshua's appointment mark a transition in earthly leadership, the people's hope must remain fixed on God alone. The repeated command to be strong and of good courage is not mere encouragement but a divine mandate grounded in God's faithfulness, calling each generation to trust Him rather than fear, even in the face of daunting challenges. Pastor underscores that every leader—whether in family, church, or nation—must first be a believer-in-chief, relying not on personal ability but on God's sustaining presence. Ultimately, the call is to live by faith in Christ, the true Leader and Deliverer, who promises to be with His people always, empowering them to fulfill their God-given duties with courage and obedience. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/227261846286105 Religion & Spirituality Fri, 27 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:12:40 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/22626213134108 What are true riches? Proverbs 22:1–9 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that what is ultimately valuable to us is the fellowship and favor of God. The passage presents a profound contrast between earthly and eternal riches, asserting that divine fellowship and divine favor surpass material wealth, while affirming that both rich and poor are equally created by God and accountable to Him. True prudence is not measured by worldly foresight but by preparing for eternity in the fear of the Lord and humility, which lead to hiding in Christ as the only safe refuge from eternal judgment. The wise use of material resources is not for control or self-aggrandizement, but for generosity that indicates spiritual wealth. At the core of the passage lies the imperative to train children in the way of Christ—founded in faith, humility, and a relationship with God—so that they will never depart from it, for God's grace ensures that those He converts will be perfected in the day of Christ. We ought to assess whether our measure of how our life is going is by how things are between us and the Lord. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/22626213134108 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:19:47 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/226262049517257 What gives joy and banishes terror? Matthew 28:1–15 looks forward to the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these fifteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, since we all must encounter the Lord, only belonging to Him can give us lasting joy and banish terror. Matthew 28:1–15 presents the day of the resurrection of Jesus as the inauguration of a new Sabbath, the Lord's Day, which fulfills and transforms the original creation Sabbath by centering on the living, glorified Christ rather than mere commemoration. The passage reveals that this day is not merely a memorial but a foretaste of eternal glory, where believers encounter the risen Lord with both reverent fear and profound joy, in contrast to unbelievers, like the guards, for whom encountering Christ is cause for terror. The central message is that the Lord's Day is consecrated for worship, proclamation, and fellowship with Christ, just as the women are commissioned to announce the resurrection, affirming Christ's fulfilled promises and His ongoing presence. This day is defined by the faithful proclamation of the crucified and risen Savior, a duty entrusted to the church, while those who suppress the truth—like the bribed guards—demonstrate the spiritual blindness that will one day lead to horror, in the face of final judgment. Ultimately, the resurrection transforms the first day of the week into a sacred anticipation of the final day, when believers will behold Christ in full glory and be welcomed by Him in eternal joy. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/226262049517257 Religion & Spirituality Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:18:39 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/224262336332353 Where can we find Christ? Song of Songs 6:1–3 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that it is Christ Who finds us, in His church, by His ordained means of grace. Song of Songs 6:1–3 emphasizes that the church—described as the bride and the garden of spices—is both the place and the means by which Christ is sought, known, and enjoyed. The church is where He feeds His flock and gathers His lilies. This vision calls the church to prioritize Christ-centered teaching and mutual edification as marks of true spiritual vitality. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/224262336332353 Religion & Spirituality Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:10:56 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/223262218243832 How does the Christian choose life? Deuteronomy 30:11–20 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Christian chooses life by God's grace, which gives him to love and cling to God, in Christ. Deuteronomy 30:11–20 reveals that God's commandments are not distant or unattainable, but near—accessible through His Word and Spirit, Who makes them real in the heart and mouth of the believer. The passage emphasizes that true obedience is not mere external compliance but a life of loving, hearing, and clinging to God, rooted in His grace and made possible only by the Holy Spirit's work in regeneration. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/223262218243832 Religion & Spirituality Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:11:51 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/22426138355306 What is the chief end of man? Ecclesiastes 12:8–14 prepares us for the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. The devotional draws together the profound truth of Ecclesiastes, revealing that life under the sun is fleeting and transient—like vapor—yet not meaningless, because its true substance lies in one's relationship with God. Far from advocating despair, it calls believers to live with eternal perspective, grounded in the fear of God and obedience to His commandments, which constitute humanity's ultimate purpose. The Word of God is both a goad, to awaken and redirect the soul, and a well-driven nail to anchor life amid life's storms, offering enduring stability and truth. Scripture, as the inspired, unified message of one Shepherd, is the sole authority for faith and practice. Ultimately, the conclusion is both a call to joyful reverence and righteous living, inviting believers to find lasting joy in God and to live with the certainty of future judgment and eternal glory. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/22426138355306 Religion & Spirituality Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:15:54 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/220261436307011 From where does the salvation of the righteous come? Proverbs 21:30–31 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the salvation of the righteous comes from their incomparable, invincible God. The devotional centers on the sovereign supremacy of YHWH, emphasizing that no wisdom, understanding, or counsel can prevail against His will. Pastor underscores that the righteous find unshakable confidence not in their own strength, but in the God, Who works all things according to the counsel of His will (cf. Eph 1:11). This truth establishes the certainty of both the demise of the wicked and the deliverance of the righteous. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/220261436307011 Religion & Spirituality Fri, 20 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:08:40 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/22026253457466 Pastor teaches his family a selection from "the Proverb of the day." In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us to walk straight in the knowledge of God. Living in the knowledge of God is the foundation of true understanding and righteous living, as the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. When we forget God, our path becomes twisted. Without continual remembrance of Him, the heart loses the joy, strength, and direction that come from walking in dependence, delight, and devotion to Him. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/22026253457466 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:04:19 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/218261921285648 Whom does the Lord use to prepare and assure of His resurrection? Matthew 27:55–66 looks forward to the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these twelve verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord uses faithful but unheralded servants, and even the most earnest efforts of His enemies, to prepare His resurrection and assure us of it. This passage reveals God's sovereign providence in orchestrating even the most unlikely individuals and adversarial actions to confirm the resurrection of Christ. Though overlooked by society—such as the faithful women who ministered to Jesus and the otherwise unknown Joseph of Arimathea—God uses them to fulfill His redemptive purposes, demonstrating that true significance lies not in public recognition but in faithful service. Even the chief priests and Pharisees, seeking to prevent claims of resurrection by securing the tomb with a guard and seal, inadvertently strengthen historical confidence about its reality, leaving only one possible explanation of the empty tomb. The passage calls believers to humility, diligence, and contentment, trusting God to glorify His Name. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/218261921285648 Religion & Spirituality Wed, 18 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:13:55 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/217262150192317 How can God's people return to Him? Deuteronomy 30:1–10 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God's people return to Him by the work of His sovereign grace. Deuteronomy 30:1–10 reveals God's covenantal grace as patient, personal, powerful, prosperous, and persevering, illustrating how divine mercy responds to human failure with sovereign compassion. Though Israel will have broken the covenant and been scattered to the farthest corners of the earth, God promises to gather them, circumcise their hearts, and restore them not by their own effort but by His divine initiative. This restoration is both corporate and individual, demonstrating that true repentance and obedience are gifts of grace, not human achievement. The passage anticipates the fulfillment of God's promises in Christ, the true Root of David, through Whom the church—both visible and invisible—is preserved, prospered, and ultimately glorified. The enduring nature of God's covenant, secured by Christ's faithful obedience, assures believers of His unwavering commitment to His people, even in the midst of judgment and exile. Thus, the passage calls all who are far from God to cry out for His grace, trusting in His power to turn hearts and sustain faith to the end. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/217262150192317 Religion & Spirituality Tue, 17 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:11:47 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/21826220266419 Why does the bride desire Christ? Song of Songs 5:9–16 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the bride desires Christ because He is altogether lovely. The devotional presents a rich portrait of Jesus Christ, emphasizing His divine beauty, purity, and relational intimacy as the Beloved and Friend of the church. Central to the message is the call for believers—especially those in spiritual slumber—to rediscover and deeply cherish Christ's full glory, not merely as a doctrinal truth but as a living, personal reality. Through vivid imagery—His white and ruddy complexion, golden head, dove-like eyes, fragrant countenance, and majestic works—the passage reveals Christ as supremely pure, vigorous, gentle, and majestic, worthy of wholehearted devotion. The church's revival is portrayed as a return to this intimate knowledge of Christ, fueled by the Spirit and nourished by Scripture. Ultimately, the devotional affirms that Christ is not only the object of our affection but also the source of our transformation, and that knowing Him as 'altogether lovely' is the essence of eternal life. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/21826220266419 Religion & Spirituality Tue, 17 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:16:52 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/2182610125787 What must we do, since our abilities and capacities are destined to fail? Ecclesiastes 12:1–7 prepares us for the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we must live unto our Creator, right now. The passage from Ecclesiastes 12 calls believers to remember their Creator throughout life, especially in youth, as a response to the inevitable reality of aging and death. Through vivid imagery of physical decline—failing strength, dimming sight, loss of teeth, diminished hearing, and frailty—it underscores the fleeting nature of earthly life and the body's return to dust. The text emphasizes that these signs of decay are not merely biological but spiritual reminders to live with joyful reverence and righteous obedience to God, Who is the source of life and the destination of the soul. Rather than viewing old age as a time of despair, the passage invites the believer to find enduring joy and purpose in God, even as physical abilities wane, because the spirit returns to Him who gave it. Ultimately, the call is to cultivate a life of continual remembrance, so that one may rejoice and remain righteous not only in this life, but eternally, in God's presence. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/2182610125787 Religion & Spirituality Mon, 16 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:12:39 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/214261224197 Pastor teaches his family a selection from "the Proverb of the day." In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us to guard our lips, so that they image God by being used for good, not ill. The devotional centers on the profound power of the human tongue, drawing from Proverbs 13:2–3 to emphasize that words are not merely expressions but instruments of life or destruction. It highlights the contrast between the righteous, whose speech produces nourishment and blessing, and the unfaithful, whose soul feeds on violence and harm, illustrating how careless speech can lead to ruin. Pastor underscores the necessity of guarding one's mouth through wisdom and self-control, likening it to a secure gate that requires discernment before allowing words to pass. This discipline images God, Who created the world through speech—and continues to impart spiritual life through the Word, calling believers to use their voices for edification and divine glory. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/214261224197 Religion & Spirituality Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:05:59 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/21426154482163 How do the righteous and wicked come to different ends? Proverbs 21:20–29 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the righteous and wicked come to different ends, because God sees and rewards the life of Christ in the righteous, and the death of sin in the wicked. The devotional presents a profound contrast between the righteous and the wicked, rooted in the heart's condition and its implications for worship, character, and eternal destiny. Drawing from Proverbs 21:20–29, it emphasizes that the righteous, grounded in faith and the Spirit of Christ, inherit lasting treasure, victory, life, and enduring honor. In contrast, the wicked are defined by pride, laziness, deceit, and hardened hearts—traits that render even their religious acts abominations to God because they lack genuine faith or a transformed heart. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/21426154482163 Religion & Spirituality Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:14:48 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/21326047132688 What do the backslidden need? Song of Songs 5:2–8 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the backslidden need Christ's Word, Christ's grace, Christ's ordinances, and the prayers of Christ's people. The devotional from Song of Songs 5:2–8 illustrates the tension between the believer's awakened heart and the lingering lethargy of the flesh. It emphasizes that while Christians possess a new nature that longs for Christ, spiritual complacency and self-justification can lead to a state of spiritual sleep, where even the voice of the Beloved is met with excuses—inconvenient or unpleasant—against deeper communion. Christ, in His grace, does not merely knock but actively reaches through the latch of the door, symbolizing His direct, transformative work in awakening the heart, even when the response is delayed or imperfect. The passage warns of the consequences of backsliding, including the loss of spiritual assurance, the painful discipline of faithful shepherds, and the temporary removal of spiritual evidence. Yet, it ultimately points to the hope of restoration through repentance, prayer, and the intercession of the church. The call is clear: believers must resist spiritual lethargy, embrace the means of grace despite inconvenience, and actively pray for revival, both personally and corporately, so that the church may once again be filled with the presence of Christ, Whose love is both the source and the goal of all spiritual life. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/21326047132688 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:18:43 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/21326235236719 What does Jesus do as Priest? Matthew 27:45–54 looks forward to the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus propitiates God's wrath, an offers a once-for-all sacrifice, opening the way for us into the Holy of Holies. Matthew 27:45–54 reveals Jesus, as the true Son of God and Great High Priest, Who willingly bears the full wrath of God for His people's sin—fulfilling the sacrificial system once and for all. Though mocked by humanity and taken lightly by onlookers, creation itself responds with awe—darkness, an earthquake, the torn temple veils and resurrected saints—testifying to the cosmic significance of Christ's atoning death. The centurion and his guards, witnessing these supernatural events, are gripped with fear and confess, 'Truly this was the Son of God,' illustrating that genuine recognition of Christ's identity comes not from human reasoning but from divine revelation and the Holy Spirit's work. Jesus's final cry, drawn from Psalm 22, reflects both His deep suffering and His intimate knowledge of God's redemptive plan, culminating in His deliberate surrender of His spirit, affirming His divine authority to lay down and take up His life. The tearing of the temple veil from top to bottom signifies that Christ has opened the way into the true Holy of Holies. This all calls all believers to respond with holy fear, faith, and worship, recognizing Jesus as the eternal High Priest, in Whom alone we are holy and fit to approach God. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/21326235236719 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:16:45 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/210262028531849 How should we live our short lives? Ecclesiastes 11:7–10 prepares us for the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should spend our short lives in rejoicing and righteousness. Ecclesiastes 11:7–10 presents a profound balance between joyful gratitude and sober responsibility, calling believers to embrace life's fleeting beauty as a divine gift, while living with constant awareness of God's coming judgment. The passage affirms that life—especially youth—is brief and transient, likened to a vapor, yet within that brevity lies the sacred duty to rejoice in God's good gifts, from the sun's light to daily blessings, recognizing them as expressions of His generosity. At the same time, the passage issues a solemn call to righteousness: to walk according to one's heart and eyes, but only under the conviction that all actions will be judged by God, demanding the removal both of sorrow and of evil from one's life. This dual command—rejoice and live righteously—forms the heart of godly wisdom, urging both children and adults to live with joyful obedience, knowing that true fulfillment comes not in self-indulgence but in God Himself. The urgency of youth's brevity is not a reason for despair, but a lesson in the brevity of life as a whole, teaching us to steward each moment with purpose, humility, and faith in Christ. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/210262028531849 Religion & Spirituality Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:17:58 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/27261611147549 Why did Israel fail and suffer curse? Deuteronomy 29:22–29 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that that Israel was cursed so that we would learn God's hatred of sin. This passage reveals God's sovereign authority over the future and His holy hatred of sin, using the judgment on the land as a lasting testimony to the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. While the secret things belong to God alone, He graciously reveals His Word for us to do, and especially His Son for us to believe in. The emphasis on divine wrath against idolatry and rebellion underscores the seriousness of forsaking God, yet it is balanced by the profound gift of revelation—culminating in the person and work of Christ, Who bears the wrath we deserve and enables obedience through His resurrection life. The sermon calls believers to focus on what God has revealed, particularly the gospel of Jesus Christ, Who is the ultimate expression of divine revelation and the only means of true life and obedience. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/27261611147549 Religion & Spirituality Sat, 07 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:08:19 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/2626219385319 What is the difference between the righteous and the wicked? Proverbs 21:10–18 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the wicked and righteous are opposite in heart, hand, way, and destiny. Proverbs 21:10–18 presents a profound contrast between the righteous and the wicked, revealing that their destinies are shaped by the condition of their hearts, the nature of their actions, and the objects of their delight. The wicked are defined by a heart that desires evil, a hand that ignores the cries of the poor, and a love for pleasure and luxury that leads them astray from the path of understanding. In contrast, the righteous are marked by a transformed heart that delights in justice, a life of disciplined action, and a love for God and neighbor that sustains them in the narrow way. The passage underscores that God's providence and judgment are not arbitrary but reflect the moral order: the wicked are ultimately destroyed, not only in this life but in eternity, while the righteous are delivered, even as the wicked serve as a ransom for their salvation. This divine ordering calls all people—especially those who have wandered from wisdom—to repentance, humility, and reliance on God's grace, which alone can change the heart. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/2626219385319 Religion & Spirituality Fri, 06 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:14:34 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/2526180241771 How must we respond to the dying Christ? Matthew 27:26–54 looks forward to the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these twenty-nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we must respond to the dying Christ by abandoning all resistance to Him, and trusting Him Who ruled over all things to die for us. The devotional centers on Jesus's divine kingship and sonship, amid relentless mockery and resistance from Roman soldiers, passersby, and religious leaders. Pastor highlights humanity's innate rebellion against God's authority, rooted in unregenerate hearts that demand signs or rational justifications before believing. Yet, in sovereign providence, even the smallest details—such as the casting of lots for His garments, the use of sour wine mixed with gall, and the conscription of Simon of Cyrene—are shown to be divinely orchestrated for redemptive purposes. Jesus's refusal of the pain-numbing drink reflects His intentional, conscious sacrifice, maintaining full mental clarity to fulfill His mission of atonement, evangelism, and care for others even in agony. Ultimately, the devotional calls believers to abandon skeptical resistance, to 'kiss the Son' in faith, and to trust in Christ for salvation and blessing. The tone is both convicting and comforting, urging repentance while affirming God's faithful, meticulous work in salvation. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/2526180241771 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 05 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:16:47 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/2626130466288 Pastor teaches his family a selection from "the Proverb of the day." In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us the action (listen diligently), attitude (bow our ears), and addition (dispense wisdom to others with your lips). The devotional, on Proverbs 5:1–2, calls believers to actively and reverently engage with divine wisdom through attentive listening and humble submission. It emphasizes that true wisdom is not merely acquired through external practices but cultivated through intentional worship, meditation, and a posture of reverence before God's Word. The passage highlights a transformative purpose: to preserve discretion and guard knowledge so that one's words may pass wisdom to future generations. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/2626130466288 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 05 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:06:25 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/23261539493252 How does Christ answer the prayers of the bride? Song of Songs 5:1 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ answers the prayers of the bride instantly and abundantly. The devotional unfolds the profound intimacy between Christ and His church, drawing from Song of Songs 5:1 to reveal Christ's joyful, abundant presence and delight in His bride. Central to the message is the divine provision of communion—Christ not only answers the bride's prayer for His coming but declares His full enjoyment of her, having gathered her myrrh and spices, eaten her honeycomb, and drunk her wine and milk, symbolizing His pleasure in her sanctified character, works, fellowship, and nourishing grace. He affectionately calls her garden, sister, and spouse, affirming her identity in Him, while extending the invitation to all believers to partake in His joy as His own friends and beloved ones. The tone is pastoral and celebratory, emphasizing that Christ's presence is not only real but actively communicated, assuring believers of His delight and inviting them to savor His nearness, the fruit of His Spirit, and the joy of eternal fellowship. Christ's provision is not only for the church corporately, but for each individual believer, who is personally cherished and invited into the eternal enjoyment of His delights. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/23261539493252 Religion & Spirituality Tue, 03 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:12:16 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/232625597627 What should we do? Ecclesiastes 11:1–6 prepares us for the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, since we cannot comprehend all of the work of God, we should be diligent and active, entrusting the outcome to Him. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 11:1–6, the devotional presents a call to faithful, joyful diligence in all aspects of life, grounded in the recognition that God's purposes are beyond human comprehension. It emphasizes that, just as the wind and the growth of a child in the womb are mysteries beyond our control, so too are the outcomes of our labor and generosity. Therefore, believers are urged to act with wisdom and generosity—sowing seed in the morning and not withholding effort in the evening—without waiting for perfect conditions or guaranteed results. The passage teaches that true faithfulness lies not in understanding or controlling outcomes, but in trusting God's sovereign work, even when the results are uncertain. Ultimately, the devotional calls for a life of consistent, humble diligence, rooted in the assurance that God is working all things according to His will, and that our faithful labor, though unseen, is part of His greater design. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/232625597627 Religion & Spirituality Mon, 02 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:13:45 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/131262110456335 How can we be blessed in covenant with God? Deuteronomy 29:2–21 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these twenty verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that branches of the church are blessed by God, when they walk with Him, but that for anyone to walk with God and be blessed forever, he needs God to give him new life and union with Christ through faith. This devotional unfolds the covenantal relationship between YHWH and Israel as a people, emphasizing God's faithfulness in delivering, sustaining, and conquering on their behalf, thereby establishing their identity as a holy, distinct people. It underscores that the covenant includes all generations—leaders to servants, present and future—binding them collectively to God's oath, with the promise of divine establishment as His people and His personal presence among them. The central warning is that covenantal membership without spiritual regeneration leads to condemnation, as the failure to perceive, see, and hear God's truth results in idolatry, self-reliance, and suffering the burning of God's wrath for ever. But those whom God gives life, to be united to Christ by faith, truly prosper in all they do and inherit eternal blessings. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/131262110456335 Religion & Spirituality Sat, 31 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:20:44 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/130261834417533 What robs a house of peace and flourishing? Proverbs 21:9–19 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that a contentious wife robs a house of peace and flourishing. The devotional presents a meditation on the moral and spiritual dynamics of family life, centered on the critical role of a wife's character in shaping the household's peace and flourishing. The Drawing from 1 Peter 3 and Titus 2, the devotional emphasizes that a gentle, quiet, and submissive spirit, rooted in a heart devoted to God, is essential for a wife to become a true keeper of the home and a source of peace and flourishing for her husband. It calls both young men and women to examine their hearts: men are warned against poor choice in a wife, or harsh or neglectful leadership that provokes resistance, while women are urged to cultivate a spirit of gratitude, service, and humility, beginning in their relationship with God . Ultimately, the passage reveals that the health of a household rests not only on the husband's headship but on the wife's willing, Spirit-led submission and love, making her a vital instrument of God's grace in the home. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/130261834417533 Religion & Spirituality Fri, 30 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:10:56 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/129262252583594 What is Jesus doing in His trial? Matthew 27:1–25 looks forward to the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these twenty-five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, in His trial, Jesus is being the true Priest, King, and Bearer of guilt. While merely human priests, prophets, and authorities fail, Jesus stands as the perfect Priest, Prophet, and King; and, He is the only able Bearer of human guilt. The tragic outcome for Judas, consumed by ungodly sorrow and self-destruction, underscores the necessity of turning to Christ alone for forgiveness, while the crowd's cry, 'His blood be on us and on our children,' is answered in Acts 2 with a promise unto them and their children, that Christ's blood cleanses, rather than condemns, those who repent and believe. Christ's gift of the Holy Spirit gives life for repentance and faith in Christ, through Whom there is forgiveness even for the sin of crucifying the Lord. Ultimately, the passage calls us to embrace Christ as the sole guilt-bearer. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/129262252583594 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:15:42 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/12826219536990 What does the church desire? Song of Songs 4:16 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the church desires the presence of Christ and revival by the Spirit. The devotional centers on the bride's dual longing in Song of Songs 4:16 for the active presence of the Holy Spirit and the intimate fellowship of Christ. It emphasizes that the Spirit's work—symbolized by the winds from every direction—is not merely for revival in times of decline but is a continual desire for the church to increasingly reflect Christ's likeness through the fruit of His life. The second request, for Christ's personal presence, reorients the church's motivation from human approval to divine delight, affirming that true spiritual vitality is found in communion with Christ, Who dwells in the believer through the Spirit. Ultimately, the devotional affirms that God's greatest gift is Himself—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—offering union and communion as the foundation of a life that bears Christ's fruit in His presence. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/12826219536990 Religion & Spirituality Wed, 28 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:08:54 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/127261836586608 What does every sin deserve? Deuteronomy 28:15–29:1 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these fifty-five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that every sin deserves the wrath and curse of God. This devotional presents a sobering exposition of divine judgment upon covenantal unfaithfulness, illustrating how disobedience to God's law results in cascading curses that afflict every aspect of life—personal, familial, agricultural, and national. The central message underscores that true obedience flows not from legalistic fear but from heartfelt thankfulness, joy, and reverence for God's glorious Name, which is the foundation of a life pleasing to Him. When believers lose this posture of gratitude and adoration, they turn away from God, turning to other gods whom they obey, culminating in divine abandonment and judgment. The devotional emphasizes the justness of these curses, reflecting God's righteous response to the rejection of His covenantal grace, and they serve as a stark reminder of humanity's desperate need for Christ, Who alone fulfills the law, bears the curse, and sustains the church as its true Prophet, Priest, and King. Ultimately, the passage calls for a return to a life of joyful, thankful worship, rooted in God's sovereign mercy, and overflowing with responsive obedience and service to Him. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/127261836586608 Religion & Spirituality Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:25:22 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/128261954417336 What is as harmful as foolish counsel? Ecclesiastes 10:16–20 prepares us for the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that foolish governance is as harmful as foolish counsel. The devotional centers on the responsibility and moral accountability of leadership, drawing from Ecclesiastes 10:16–20 to contrast wise governance—marked by disciplined feasting and diligent stewardship—with the folly of self-indulgent rulers who prioritize pleasure over purpose. The passage warns against the dangers of internal rebellion against foolish authority, even in thought, reminding believers that all authority is ultimately under God's sovereign oversight, and that disrespect—even in the heart—violates divine order. Ultimately, the message calls for humility, prayerful dependence on Christ, and a life marked by faithful stewardship and godly respect, even in the face of flawed leadership. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/128261954417336 Religion & Spirituality Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:06:51 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/126262047147289 How can one live righteously? Proverbs 21:4–8 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that one must be made righteous in order to live rightly. The devotional centers on the profound danger of pride, warned against by Proverbs 21:4–8, which contrasts the haughty heart that exalts itself above God with the humble heart that submits to divine sovereignty. It warns that a proud, unrestrained spirit leads to hasty, unjust actions—such as gaining wealth through deceit—that result in spiritual poverty and self-destruction, as such pursuits are described as fleeting fantasies destined to vanish like vapor. In contrast, the diligent and humble person, whose life is rooted in dependence on God, experiences lasting fruit, not because of personal merit, but by God's grace. The passage underscores that truly righteous living comes not by self-will or self-justification, but in being made pure through Christ, Whose righteousness begins to work itself out in the believer's life. Ultimately, the choice is clear: will one's life be ruled by self or by God? The eternal consequence hinges on this functional kingship—whether one exalts oneself or surrenders to the Lord, whose justice will prevail and whose kingdom will last forever. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/126262047147289 Religion & Spirituality Mon, 26 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:10:27 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/124261853434167 Pastor teaches his family a selection from "the Proverb of the day." In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that true strength is found in reliance upon the Lord, via His Word. True strength, according to Proverbs 24:5–6, is not found in self-reliance or human effort, but in wisdom rooted in divine knowledge and dependence on God. The passage calls believers to respond to life's challenges not with self-reliance, but with renewed dependence upon God, by means of repentance, prayer, fasting, and diligent engagement with God's Word, which cultivates the Spirit-led wisdom that is genuine power. Ultimately, strength is not found in human capacity, but in reliance upon God Himself. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/124261853434167 Religion & Spirituality Sat, 24 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:05:39 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/12426139372969 What does Jesus do in His trial? Matthew 26:57–75 looks forward to the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, at His trial, Jesus openly confesses Himself to be the Son of God, even as He was giving Himself to die for us. The devotional centers on the contrasting responses of Jesus and Peter during Jesus' trial, highlighting Jesus' unwavering truthfulness under pressure, in stark contrast to Peter's denials. Christ's faithfulness remains unshaken even in the face of injustice. Peter's threefold denial, culminating in bitter weeping, serves as a sobering reminder of human frailty and the danger of fearing man over God, yet it also points to the necessity of relying on Christ as our righteousness and new life. Pastor calls his family to imitate Christ's trust in God's justice, to confess Him boldly despite cost, and to look to His Spirit to transform us, so that we may endure suffering with faith and humility, knowing that Christ bore our punishment so we might be made righteous. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/12426139372969 Religion & Spirituality Fri, 23 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:15:54 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/1232623097833 What does Christ think of His church on their wedding day? Song of Songs 4:8–15 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ delights in His church's presence with Him, and in her He takes great pleasure. The devotional unfolds the profound intimacy between Christ and His church, portrayed through the Song of Songs, emphasizing that the Lord's greatest delight is His bride's love—expressed in heart, word, and deed. Central to this union is the image of the bride as a sealed garden and fountain, a private, sacred space of divine pleasure, yet one that overflows with life-giving fruit for others. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/1232623097833 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 22 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:08:44 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/1222634067335 What is dangerous, like an angry king? Ecclesiastes 10:11–15 prepares us for the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that a talking fool is dangerous, like an angry king. This passage presents a sobering portrait of the fool as a dangerous and self-destructive figure whose speech leads inevitably to ruin, likened to a venomous serpent that strikes when uncharmed, requiring expert handling. The fool's words, marked by endless babbling and reckless prognostication, begin in folly and end in madness, ultimately entombing both himself and those who follow him. The passage calls believers to discernment, urging them to recognize the marks of folly—excessive speech and false predictions. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/1222634067335 Religion & Spirituality Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:07:42 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/1202626573313 What are the obligations and benefits of covenant with God? Deuteronomy 28:1–14 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these fourteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that covenant with God obligates us to obey Him Himself, and promises us the blessing of Him Himself. This devotional centers on the conditional blessings promised in Deuteronomy 28:1–14, where obedience to God's commandments results in material prosperity, national supremacy, and spiritual holiness. The ultimate fulfillment of these blessings is not in temporal prosperity alone, but in the eternal reality of the new heavens and new earth, where God Himself is the source and substance of all blessing. The call is to recognize Christ as King, to receive all good things with gratitude, and to know God Himself as our supreme blessedness in every blessing, and even amid hardship. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/1202626573313 Religion & Spirituality Mon, 19 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:19:58 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/117261737145541 For what are spiritually alive people grateful? Proverbs 20:29–21:3 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that spiritually alive people are grateful to be aged, to be chastened by God, to be ruled by God, and to be judged by God. The devotional centers on the transformative reorientation of values that enables believers to find delight in what pleases God, moving beyond self-justification and fleshly desires. Drawing from Proverbs 20:29–21:3, it emphasizes four sacred graces—aging with wisdom, embracing painful discipline, submitting to God's sovereign rule, and welcoming divine judgment—as essential to cultivating a heart that desires righteousness and justice over mere ritual. These are not burdens but blessings, reflecting God's gracious work in sanctifying the believer from within, where true holiness and alignment with His will are cultivated. The passage underscores that human self-assessment is fatally flawed, but when the heart yields to God's weighing of motives and actions through His Word, the believer is freed from self-deception and empowered to live righteously. Ultimately, the goal is a heart whose deepest joy is not in personal achievement or self-approval, but in doing what is right and just—precisely because God's pleasure has become the believer's own. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/117261737145541 Religion & Spirituality Sat, 17 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:15:17 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/116262313281905 Pastor teaches his family a selection from "the Proverb of the day." In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should live according to God's Word, trusting God's providence, and for God's glory. This devotional, from Proverbs 16:2–4, calls believers to align their lives with God's will. It emphasizes that human intentions, though often perceived as pure, must be evaluated by God, who alone discerns the heart's true motives, urging humility and dependence on Scripture and the Holy Spirit. The call to commit one's works to the Lord reflects a trust not in personal wisdom or effort, but in God's sovereign purpose, Who works all things according to His will. Even the existence of the wicked is ultimately for God's glory, pointing to the ultimate aim of the believer's life: to glorify God not through judgment, but through eternal enjoyment and delight in Him. The message is both convicting and comforting, calling for a lifelong transformation of heart and action, rooted in grace and sustained by faith. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/116262313281905 Religion & Spirituality Fri, 16 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:04:46 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/115262102383 Pastor teaches his family a selection from "the Proverb of the day." In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should live in light of the fact that God sees all things, works in all things, and judges all things. The devotional meditates on the fact that God's eyes are everywhere, constantly observing both the wicked and the righteous with perfect knowledge and divine purpose. This truth humbles humanity by emphasizing our limited perception and calling us to trust in God's understanding rather than our own. It comforts believers, knowing that even evil is under God's sovereign control and ultimately serves His plan, while also encouraging the righteous, who are upheld and empowered by His grace to do good. God avenges the righteous and rewards their faithful deeds as fruits of union with Christ. Living in the awareness of His ever-present gaze fosters peace, joy, diligence, and holy devotion, as all actions are done in His sight and for His glory. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/115262102383 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:07:15 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/11426182295152 What does Jesus show about Himself, during His arrest? Matthew 26:47–56 looks forward to the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus displays His commitment to dying on the cross for our sins, and His compassion to even those who are sinning against Him. In the pivotal moment of His arrest, Jesus demonstrates both unwavering commitment to the divine plan and profound compassion toward those who oppose Him. He confronts Judas with a gentle yet piercing question—'Friend, why have you come?'—offering a final opportunity for repentance, even as He fulfills the Scriptures that foretold His betrayal. To Peter, who draws his sword in misguided defense, Jesus redirects him from fleshly defenses to submission to authority that entrusts himself to God and the fulfillment of God's Word. To the mob, He challenges their actions with rhetorical questions, reminding them of His daily teaching in the temple and calling them to reflect on their sin in light of Who Jesus is, and what the Scriptures have said about Him. In each encounter, Jesus turns the moment into an act of compassionate evangelism, inviting all—Judas, Peter, and the crowd—to consider who He is, what He has done, and the divine purpose behind His suffering. His resolve is rooted in Scripture, and the compassion of One Who goes to the cross to save sinners. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/11426182295152 Religion & Spirituality Wed, 14 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:19:51 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/11426140123557 What is the use of wisdom? Ecclesiastes 10:8–10 prepares us for the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that wisdom doesn't guarantee desired outcomes, but rather serves God well, as it submits to His providence. The devotional explores the tension between human effort and divine providence, emphasizing that neither righteousness nor wisdom guarantees the outcomes we seek. It illustrates how God's sovereignty often thwarts sinful intentions—such as a man falling into the pit he digs—while also allowing hardships to afflict even the innocent, like those quarrying stones or splitting wood. Yet, amid this uncertainty, the preacher affirms that wisdom is not futile; rather, it is useful, as a sharpened axe requires less strength and reduces danger, reflecting the value of preparation and prudence. The faithful response is not passive resignation but a balanced trust in God's providence coupled with diligent, thoughtful living. Ultimately, believers are called to honor God in both their dependence on Him and their responsible stewardship of wisdom, knowing that true success lies not in achievement but in sovereign providence. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/11426140123557 Religion & Spirituality Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:09:12 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/11426151214319 How beautiful is the church on her wedding day? Song of Songs 4:1–7 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, on their wedding day, the Lord will have made His church faultlessly beautiful with His own beauty. Song of Songs 4:1–7 portrays the Bridegroom's profound love for His bride on their wedding day. Central to the message is the perfection of the bride—her beauty now complete, spotless, and fully aligned with Christ, reflecting the ultimate sanctification of the church (and her members) at the consummation of history. Through vivid imagery—dove's eyes, flowing hair, flawless teeth, blushing temples, a royal neck, and nurturing breasts—the devotional unpacks how each feature symbolizes spiritual maturity: purity of understanding, humility, faith, modesty, dignity, and the ability to nourish others. These attributes are not mere physical descriptions but spiritual realities fulfilled in the Church's union with Christ, culminating in His presenting her to Himself without spot or wrinkle. Pastor calls his family to long for and labor toward this perfected state, both personally and corporately, as a response to Christ's redemptive work and a longing for His return, when the Church will be fully glorified and united with Him in eternal joy. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/11426151214319 Religion & Spirituality Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:29:56 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/110262019514763 What does every sin deserve? Deuteronomy 27:11–26 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these sixteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that every sin deserves the wrath and curse of God. This passage presents a solemn covenantal ceremony in which the Levites pronounce curses upon individuals who commit specific abominable sins, ranging from secret idolatry and contempt for parents to exploitation of the vulnerable, sexual perversions, and murder. These curses, delivered in a public, communal setting with the people responding 'Amen' to each, underscore the individual guilt of every human before a holy God, revealing that every sin—especially those hidden in the heart—deserves divine wrath. The final curse, which condemns anyone who fails to uphold the entire law, points to the impossibility of human righteousness and the need for a substitute. The devotional emphasizes that only Christ, who knew no sin, became a curse in our place, bearing the full weight of God's wrath so that believers might receive His righteousness—making salvation possible only through faith in Christ. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/110262019514763 Religion & Spirituality Sat, 10 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:14:46 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/110260876167 How does YHWH emphasize to us that all of life is lived in relationship to Him? Proverbs 20:20–28 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, in relating to parents, kings, and even ourselves, we discover that all of life is a relating to YHWH. The devotional culls us to live wisely by cultivating a reverent, trusting relationship with YHWH in every sphere of life—toward parents, oneself, and earthly authorities. Proverbs 20:20–28 emphasizes that honoring parents reflects our ultimate duty to God, Whom they represent to their children, while reckless pursuit of personal gain or vengeance reveals a failure to trust Him. The passage warns against self-reliance, highlighting that human understanding is limited and that dishonesty—whether in business or in thought—is abominable to the Lord, Who sees the depths of the heart. It further calls for a godly fear of earthly rulers as reflections of God's sovereign authority, urging believers to honor them not for their perfection but as stewards under the King of Kings, Whose mercy and truth are of the essence of His governance. Ultimately, the fear of the Lord is presented as the foundation of wisdom, expressed in how we relate to others and ourselves with humility, integrity, and covenant faithfulness. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/110260876167 Religion & Spirituality Fri, 09 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:17:35 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/17262355437419 What should we do when rulers rise against us? Ecclesiastes 10:4–7 prepares us for the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should be faithful and gentle, not hoping in the ruler's response, but in the living God. The devotional calls believers to exercise wisdom and faithfulness in the face of unjust or hostile authority, emphasizing that remaining steadfast in one's post—even when the ruler's spirit rises against them—is a mark of godly discernment. While conciliation can pacify great offenses and sometimes lead to restored relationships, the preacher warns that earthly outcomes are not guaranteed, as wisdom is often not rewarded in this life. The book of Ecclesiastes exposes the reality that folly is frequently exalted while the wise and faithful are humbled, reflecting the brokenness of life under the sun. Yet Christians are called not to seek immediate vindication, but to live wisely for God's glory, trusting in His ultimate justice and finding opportunity to reflect Christ's character in suffering. This faithful endurance, especially under unjust treatment, becomes a powerful testimony of the gospel, as believers embody the humility and trust of Christ, who entrusted Himself to the Father. Ultimately, the believer's reward is not in earthly recognition, but in the sanctifying work of the Spirit and the eternal glory of Christ. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/17262355437419 Religion & Spirituality Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:11:58 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/19262238221435 Why was it impossible for the cup to pass from Jesus? Matthew 26:30–46 looks forward to the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these seventeen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that it was impossible for Jesus not to drink the cup of wrath, because, in our sinfulness, we are exactly opposite His righteousness. This passage reveals the profound contrast between our pride and Christ's humility. Jesus, fully aware of His impending betrayal and crucifixion, submits completely to the Father's will, praying with deep anguish yet unwavering obedience. In stark contrast, Peter's pride leads him to deny his own weakness, contradict Scripture, despise his fellow disciples, and fail to depend on the Lord by prayer—exposing the fatal danger of self-reliance even among believers. The devotional underscores that pride distorts truth, breeds contempt for others, and blinds one to spiritual need, while Christ exemplifies the opposite: humble submission, selfless love, and dependence on God. Ultimately, Christ's not only atones for our pride but also transforms us by His Spirit, conforming us to His image through grace, watchfulness, and prayer. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/19262238221435 Religion & Spirituality Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:18:56 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/192615183575 How does Christ glorify Himself? Song of Songs 3:7–11 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ glorifies Himself most of all in His bride. The devotional unfolds Song of Songs 3:7–11, which portrays Christ as the glorified Bridegroom, Whose wedding procession glorifies His redemptive work in the Church's ultimate destiny. Through progressive praise—from His secure comfort guarded by valiant servants, to His exalted conveyance adorned with divine materials, and finally to His crowned glory—the bride redirects all admiration from herself to Christ, recognizing that every good thing in the Church is His work. The passage emphasizes that Christ's joy is fulfilled in the perfection and glorification of His bride, who is not merely beloved, but serves as His crowning glory, reflecting His wisdom, love, and faithfulness. The devotional calls the Church to a posture of humble adoration, where every expression of praise for the Church's beauty ultimately glorifies Christ, the Source and Sustainer of all grace. This culminates in the vision of the final day—the day of the gladness of His heart—when the Church, fully sanctified, will be presented to Him in eternal joy. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/192615183575 Religion & Spirituality Tue, 06 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:19:53 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/1726237352940 How are God's people to know it and show it? Deuteronomy 27:1–10 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God gives us His worship, and especially His Word, to reaffirm to us that we are His, and renew us in our consecration to live by His Word. The devotional centers on Deuteronomy 27:1–10, highlighting God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel by delivering them into the land flowing with milk and honey, and calling them to respond with covenantal obedience. It emphasizes that God's people are both covenanted and holy, marked by the written law inscribed on stones as a permanent monument, and by worship conducted through unworked, whole stones, indicating divine initiation and purity. In the New Testament, Christ fulfills the role of prophet, king, and priest, and the Holy Spirit writes God's Word on believers' hearts, making them a living monument of covenant faithfulness. Worship, now conducted through Christ's ascension and sacrifice, is not humanly devised but divinely ordained, enabling believers to ascend to God and partake in intimate fellowship, joyfully rejoicing before Him. This covenantal relationship and holy consecration—rooted in God's faithfulness and mediated through Christ—ought to produce joyful, obedient lives, as the people of God are called to live in continual remembrance of His promises and presence. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/1726237352940 Religion & Spirituality Sat, 03 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:11:19 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/1126195404165 What is the bride's beauty? Song of Songs 3:6 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the bride's beauty is the redemption, nearness, and likeness of the Bridegroom. The devotional presents the bride's beauty through redemption, nearness to God, and conformity to Christ. Central to this vision is the image of the Church emerging from desolation—redeemed from sin, death, and spiritual barrenness—now drawing near to God through Christ's sacrificial work, symbolized by the ascending smoke of incense and offerings. Her fragrance, surpassing even the finest merchant's perfumes, reflects the holy anointing of God's presence, a result of being consecrated and made like Christ through the Spirit. Pastor calls his family to long for this beauty not only in individual lives but in the collective body of Christ, especially by revival and reformation, where the Church's incomparable beauty in Christ becomes evident to all. The tone is both pastoral and prophetic, inviting personal reflection, joyful worship, and active pursuit of Christlikeness as the ultimate expression of divine beauty. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/1126195404165 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 01 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:14:50 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/1229252053102780 Why do we need the King's grace so badly? Proverbs 20:9–11 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, in ourselves, we are hopelessly sinful. The devotional confronts the human condition with sobering truth: no one can purify his own heart, and all violate God's perfect standard. Even the smallest sins are abominations to Yahweh. Our condition, evident even in children whose actions reflect their sinful hearts, demands divine grace, not self-effort. Yet, God's grace is not only available but actively at work, even in children, transforming hearts and producing what is pure and right. Thus, the urgent need is for the imputed and imparted righteousness of Christ, through which believers are justified and sanctified, prepared to stand before the King of Kings whose wrath is inevitable and just. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/1229252053102780 Religion & Spirituality Mon, 29 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:12:41 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/1225252357517343 What must Christians always seek and cling to? Song of Songs 3:1–5 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christians must be continually active in seeking and clinging to Christ and the experiential knowledge of His love. This passage portrays the soul's journey from spiritual dormancy to active pursuit and intimate restoration with Christ, using the bride's night-time search as a metaphor for the believer's experience of divine absence. The imagery of night and the solitary bed signifies a season of spiritual lethargy, where passive longing fails to yield connection; only when the soul resolves to rise and actively engage the means of grace—through the church, its watchmen, and the Word—is seeking effective. Though initial efforts may not bring immediate relief, the Holy Spirit uses the preaching of the Word to confront and awaken the heart, leading to recovering personal experience of Christ's love. The believer is then called, not only to cling to Christ, but to bring others into that restored fellowship, warning against anything that might disrupt the intimacy of divine communion. Ultimately, the passage calls for continual spiritual vigilance, active faith, and a heart committed to pursuing the nearness of God through faithful practice and repentant humility. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/1225252357517343 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 25 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:28:45 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/1224252119453496 What abilities should we be developing and using? Ecclesiastes 9:13–18 prepares us for the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that all of our abilities are a stewardship from God, but the most important of these is wisdom. The devotional presents the supremacy of wisdom over strength, highlighting how divine wisdom—though often overlooked or forgotten—holds greater value than military might or worldly power. It illustrates this through the story of a poor, wise man who saves a city yet is ignored afterward, underscoring humanity's tendency to despise quiet, humble wisdom while elevating the loud and foolish. Pastor emphasizes that true wisdom, rooted in the fear of the Lord and drawn from Scripture, is the highest of all God-given gifts and must be sought diligently in personal and corporate worship. It warns that even the most carefully built good can be undone by a single act of sin or folly, urging believers to value wise, gentle speech over boastful noise, and to live with humility, accountability, and reverence for God's sovereign providence. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/1224252119453496 Religion & Spirituality Wed, 24 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:12:55 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/1224252443876 What is at the heart of the tenth commandment? Deuteronomy 24:17–26:15 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these forty verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the heart is the heart of the tenth commandment. The devotional presents a comprehensive exposition of the Tenth Commandment's call to contentment, gratitude, and justice, rooted in Israel's identity as redeemed slaves and sustained by God's covenant faithfulness. Central to this teaching is the recurring call to care for the vulnerable—strangers, widows, and fatherless—while maintaining integrity in justice, honesty, and personal conduct, all reflecting a heart that esteems others as made in God's image. The law's applications—from refusing to exploit laborers and maintaining honest weights to preserving dignity in punishment and honoring marital duty—reveal that true generosity flows from a transformed heart that trusts God's provision and rejects covetousness. Gratitude and generosity are not mere duties but expressions of identity and worship, pointing forward to Christ's self-emptying love. Ultimately, the law reveals that holiness is not fragmented but holistic, demanding a life of thankfulness that mirrors God's character. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/1224252443876 Religion & Spirituality Tue, 23 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:35:50 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/12212505022549 How does wise authority bless us? Proverbs 20:2–8 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that wise authorities motivate us to be wise. The devotional emphasizes that wise authority—whether civil, familial, or spiritual—functions as a divine instrument to turn people from folly to wisdom, exemplified by the certainty of a king's judgment, which mirrors God's perfect justice. Examples of this transformation are the rejection of quarrelsomeness, the cultivation of peacemaking, the avoidance of laziness, and the discernment of one's own heart. Pastor underscores that true faithfulness and righteousness are rare, rooted in God's grace, and that the ultimate model of wisdom is Christ, Who alone embodies perfect integrity, faithfulness, and authority. As a result, believers are called to live with humility, diligence, and peace, knowing that their lives are under the sovereign rule of the King of Kings. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/12212505022549 Religion & Spirituality Sat, 20 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:24:53 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/12202515422256 What do we learn about Jesus's betrayal? Matthew 26:14–25 looks forward to the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these twelve verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we are to see treachery, sovereignty, obedience, and sinfulness, as we consider Jesus's betrayal. This devotional centers on the prophesied betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, revealing profound truths about divine sovereignty, human treachery, and Christ's willing obedience. The betrayal is marked by deep treachery, as one of Jesus's closest disciples, part of His household and family, conspires against Him, highlighting the gravity of apostasy within the covenant community. Yet Jesus affirms that His death is not a tragic accident but the fulfillment of Scripture, demonstrating God's sovereign plan and Christ's intentional obedience to the Father's will. The scene also exposes the brazen nature of sin, as Judas, having heard Jesus's solemn warning and even the curse upon the betrayer, still proceeds with his betrayal, revealing the deceptive and self-justifying character of unrepentant evil. Ultimately, the passage calls believers to profound self-examination, humility, and reliance on Christ's righteousness, recognizing that only through His grace can we be cleansed from our capacity for such betrayal and made obedient like Him. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/12202515422256 Religion & Spirituality Fri, 19 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:18:29 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/121925136227551 What can help a backslider? Song of Songs 2:8–17 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord powerfully and eagerly overcomes His bride's separation from Him. The passage presents a portrait of Christ's unwavering faithfulness amid the believer's experience of spiritual distance, using the imagery of a Beloved Who, though seemingly hidden, is actively pursuing and restoring His bride. Central to the message is the assurance that Christ's voice—revealed through Scripture, preaching, and the work of His church—is the primary means by which He overcomes every obstacle. Despite the believer's perceived unworthiness or failure, Christ continues to call her 'My love, My fair one, My dove,' affirming her beauty and value in His eyes, not by her condition, but by His grace. The call to 'rise and come away' is both a command and a promise, rooted in Christ's sovereign power to revive and restore, transforming the most barren season into springtime of renewal. The passage culminates in a heartfelt prayer for Christ to remain ever-present, overcoming all barriers until the final day when shadows flee and His presence is fully experienced. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/121925136227551 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 18 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:32:09 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/1212252157107241 What can steady us under the overwhelming love of Christ? Song of Songs 2:3–7 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ Himself sustains believers in the overwhelming experience of His love. The Song of Songs 2:3–7 presents a rich theological portrait of Christ as the ultimate source of spiritual beauty, refreshment, and safety, depicted through vivid imagery of an apple tree in the woods, a sheltering shade, and a banquet of wine. The bride's experience of Christ's love is both deeply personal and profoundly restorative—she finds delight in His protection, sweetness in His provision, and overwhelming joy in His presence, which sustains her even when she is spiritually overwhelmed. Her plea for the daughters of Jerusalem to sustain her with raisins and apples symbolizes the need for the church to nourish one another with the truth of Christ, not merely emotional experiences, for it is through the reality that sound doctrine describes that Christ Himself catches and upholds the believer. The passage warns against seeking religious affections apart from the solid foundation of Christ's identity and work, emphasizing that genuine intimacy with Him requires both theological truth and personal union through faith. Ultimately, the devotional calls believers to rest in Christ, not in fleeting emotional highs, but in the enduring reality of Him and that union with Him into which He Himself brings us. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/1212252157107241 Religion & Spirituality Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:17:43 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/12625101256303 Upon what would Jesus have His disciples focus? Matthew 26:1–5 looks forward to the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these sixteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus would have His disciples focus upon His crucifixion for their sins. The devotional centers on Jesus's prophetic declaration of His impending crucifixion, framed within the context of the Passover and the unfolding divine plan. It highlights the profound irony that while the chief priests, scribes, and elders conspire to kill Jesus, they are unwittingly fulfilling His own sovereign purpose. Jesus, the innocent Son of Man and true High Priest, is both the fulfillment of the Passover Lamb and the willing sacrifice Whose blood covers sinners, not because of their deserving, but by grace. The passage calls believers to live in continual awareness of Christ's sacrifice. The devotional exposes the danger of fearing man more than God, and affirms that even the most wicked intentions are subverted by God's redemptive design. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/12625101256303 Religion & Spirituality Fri, 05 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:11:16 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/124252344224416 How beautiful is the bride? Song of Songs 2:1–2 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the bride is beautiful with the King's beauty. The passage reveals Christ as the ultimate source and definition of beauty, affirming His identity as the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valleys. He delights in His bride because He has transformed her from a state of thorn-like fallenness into a likeness of Himself. Her beauty is not self-derived but a participation in His, reflecting the divine purpose to conform believers to the image of His Son. Identity with Adam's fallen lineage is replaced by union with the last Adam, urging believers to cultivate Christ-esteem rather than self-esteem, and to treat one another with the same delight and hope that Christ has in His bride. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/124252344224416 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 27 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:07:23 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/112825212453933 How do you get ready for the Son of Man to come in His glory? Matthew 25:31–46 looks forward to the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these sixteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that you get ready for the Son of Man to come in His glory by grace-sustained adoration, affection, and action. This passage reveals that readiness for Christ's return is rooted in divine election and sustained by a life of adoration, affection, and action toward fellow believers. The final judgment centers not on abstract moral performance but on how individuals have responded to Christ's suffering through His mystical union with His people, making acts of mercy toward the vulnerable a reflection of worship and love for Him. True faith is marked by adoration of Christ as YHWH, which produces genuine affection for His redeemed, expressed in tangible acts of service. These actions are not a means of earning salvation, but a fruit of being predestined for the kingdom, and living by God's grace. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/112825212453933 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 20 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:17:25 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/1119252256291144 Pastor teaches his family a selection from "the Proverb of the day." In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that laziness is ridiculously self-destructive. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/1119252256291144 Religion & Spirituality Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:04:25 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/12425548281371 How should we live, since we are subject to the providence of God? Ecclesiastes 9:1–6 prepares us for the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that under the providence of God, we should live as those who remember that we must be right with Him before we die. The devotional draws from Ecclesiastes 9:1–6 to emphasize that, in God's sovereign providence, all people—righteous and wicked alike—face the same ultimate fate: death. It warns against judging others' spiritual standing based on their circumstances, whether prosperity or suffering, as such judgments misread God's purposes, and reflect human folly. The central truth is that, while the living know they will die, and thus must live with urgent purpose, the dead know nothing and have no further opportunity for repentance or reward. Therefore, believers are called to live with constant awareness of mortality, not in despair, but in faithful service to God through Christ, Who alone provides righteousness and hope beyond death. The living, even in their weakness, are to be esteemed above the dead, because they still have the chance to turn to God, making every moment an opportunity for grace and repentance. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/12425548281371 Religion & Spirituality Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:10:40 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/121252113572033 What do godly parents hope for their children? Proverbs 19:16–23 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that parents hope in God to bless their discipline and instruction, unto their children's fearing YHWH, unto their life and joy. This devotional presents a call to cultivate the fear of YHWH as the foundation of true life and lasting satisfaction. It emphasizes that obedience to divine instruction—applied by godly parenting—preserves the soul, while neglect leads to spiritual death. One example of this life is compassion for the poor, not as mere charity but as an act of reverence toward God's image. The text underscores that genuine wisdom comes through heeding counsel and enduring discipline, especially in youth, as unchecked rebellion and indulgence lead to wrath and repeated consequences. Ultimately, the goal is a life trusting God's eternal counsel, where even trials are received with joy under His providence, resulting in abiding satisfaction and freedom from evil's grasp. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/121252113572033 Religion & Spirituality Sat, 15 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:11:40 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/112825032591770 How does the Bride respond to the Bridegroom's praise? Song of Songs 1:16–17 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Bride responds to the Bridegroom's praise by praising both Him and her fellowship with Him. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/112825032591770 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 13 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:13:52 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/112625539383766 How much of God's work can man figure out? Ecclesiastes 8:16–17 prepares us for the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that man cannot even begin to find out all of God's work, let alone comprehend it all. The devotional centers on the humility required to find true happiness, rooted in the recognition that human wisdom cannot comprehend the full scope of God's sovereign work in the world. No matter how diligently one seeks to understand the mysteries of life and divine providence, God's wisdom remains beyond human grasp. Pastor warns against the danger of equating happiness with theological mastery, instead calling for trust in God's incomprehensible wisdom and goodness. Acknowledging that God knows all and has all things in perfect order—is presented as the antidote to anxiety and the foundation of lasting joy. It concludes by calling us to rest in God's sovereignty, remembering that true contentment comes not from understanding God, but from trusting Him. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/112625539383766 Religion & Spirituality Wed, 12 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:07:31 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/11132512951591 For what do our souls exist? Psalm 103 looks forward to the morning sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these twenty-two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that our souls exist for praising the God Who makes us objects of His steadfast love and tender mercy. This devotional unfolds Psalm 103 as a profound meditation on God's boundless mercy, structured as a 'praise sandwich' with worshipful declarations framing two central themes: divine forgiveness for human wickedness and steadfast compassion in human weakness. Pastor emphasizes that God's mercy, revealed most fully in His character as 'merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love,' is not based on human merit but on His eternal nature, as vast as the heavens above the earth. It is a mercy that removes sins as far as the east is from the west, redeeming believers from destruction and crowning them with lovingkindness, even as they are frail as grass and fleeting as a field flower. The devotional underscores that this mercy is both a present reality and an eternal covenant, extending to those who fear God, keep His commandments, and are adopted as His children, prompting all of creation—angels, saints, and the redeemed—to join in perpetual praise of His salvation and sustaining grace. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/11132512951591 Religion & Spirituality Tue, 11 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:09:48 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/119252033245539 What makes the church beautiful? Song of Songs 1:15 looks forward to the opening portion of the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In this verse of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ's making His church lovely, with love for Him, is what makes her beautiful. The devotional centers on the profound truth that the Lord Jesus Christ affirms and insists His beloved church is beautiful and cherished, by His divine definition of beauty, which is rooted in His redemptive work and ongoing sanctification. Through the repeated declaration 'Behold, you are fair, my love,' the Song emphasizes the divine initiative in revealing Christ's love, overcoming the believer's natural resistance and spiritual blindness to fully grasp it. The specific compliment of 'dove's eyes' highlights the purity, single-minded devotion, and Holy Spirit-enabled longing for Christ that defines the believer's identity as the Beloved. This love is not merely an external truth but constitutive of the believer's identity—being loved by Christ is foundational to who they are. The devotional underscores that, as believers express their love to Christ, He responds by deepening their awareness of His love, culminating in the assurance that nothing can separate them from it. Ultimately, the message is a pastoral call to embrace the reality of Christ's unwavering affection, allowing it to shape identity, joy, and worship. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/119252033245539 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 09 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:13:17 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/1123250936885 How must Israel apply the sixth commandment to their life in the land? Deuteronomy 19:1–22:12 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these seventy-six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Israel were to honor God's holiness by treating His image in man as sacred. This devotional presents a comprehensive legal and ethical framework centered on the sanctity of human life, rooted in the Sixth Commandment's prohibition of murder. It establishes systems of justice that distinguish between intentional murder, accidental manslaughter, and just war, emphasizing divine protection for the innocent through cities of refuge, impartial judicial procedures, and the condemnation of false testimony. The text underscores corporate responsibility for bloodshed, illustrated by the ritual of the heifer in a valley of flowing water, and enforces equitable justice through proportional penalties and safeguards against abuse. It also extends the principle of life's value to include care for property, the environment, and vulnerable individuals—such as widows and orphans—while regulating warfare, inheritance, and holiness codes to preserve Israel's distinct identity as a people set apart for God. Ultimately, the law reflects God's holiness and the sacredness of human life, pointing forward to Christ, who alone fully embodies the divine regard for humanity and bears the curse of sin on behalf of His people. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/1123250936885 Religion & Spirituality Sat, 08 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:29:41 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/1120252256182365 What can destroy a household? Proverbs 19:13–15 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that a household may be destroyed by any one of its members being a fool. The devotional meditates upon the sacred architecture of the household, emphasizing that godly wisdom and character are essential to its stability and flourishing. Central to this vision is the contrast between the ruin caused by a foolish son, a contentious wife, or a lazy individual, as opposed to the divine blessing of a prudent wife, whose wisdom is not merely human achievement but a gift from YHWH. The text underscores that while material inheritance comes from fathers, true spiritual and relational wealth—especially in marriage and parenting—are special displays of God's sovereign grace in the cultivation of godly character. It calls for diligent, joyful labor as an act of worship, rejecting laziness not only as personal failure but as a corrosive force that undermines the entire household. Ultimately, the devotional affirms that the health of the family rests not on human effort alone, but on divine provision: grace, and the faithful application of biblical wisdom in every relationship and responsibility. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/1120252256182365 Religion & Spirituality Fri, 07 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:12:29 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/11925156424420 How do we watch for the Lord Jesus? Matthew 25:1–13 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these thirteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we watch for the Lord Jesus by depending upon the Holy Spirit to use the means of His grace to make us ready for heaven. The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1–13 illustrates the necessity of genuine spiritual readiness for Christ's return, emphasizing that outward participation in the church is insufficient, without inward dependence on the Holy Spirit, through consistent engagement with the means of grace. Wisdom is not merely practical foresight but a moral disposition, rooted in fearing God, while foolishness reflects a self-reliant, superficial faith that also neglects spiritual disciplines. Continual, intentional reliance on the Spirit in Scripture, prayer, worship, and sacraments is vital, as we do not know when it will be too late. Ultimately, the call to watchfulness is fulfilled not only through faithful service in the church but through a personal, ongoing dependence on the Spirit, ensuring that when Christ comes, the believer's life shines with His authentic work, not mere outward appearance. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/11925156424420 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:19:08 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/115251547386919 Who was the authority in Israel? Deuteronomy 16:18–18:22 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these forty-seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the ultimate authority in Israel was God Himself by means of His Word. This passage presents a comprehensive application of the Fifth Commandment—honoring God as the ultimate authority—within the life of Israel as they enter the Promised Land. It establishes a divinely ordered hierarchy of authority: prophets, who speak God's Word directly; priests, who teach and uphold the law; kings, who are to rule according to God's law rather than worldly ambition; and judges, who administer justice impartially in every community. Each office is grounded in obedience to God's revealed Word, with strict prohibitions against idolatry, false prophecy, and corrupt practices such as bribery or unjust judgment. The text emphasizes that true authority is not self-asserted but derived from God, and that rebellion against His appointed authorities—whether judicial, royal, or prophetic—invites divine judgment. Ultimately, the passage points forward to Jesus Christ, the final and supreme Prophet, whose Word alone is to be heeded, and whose authority supersedes all human institutions, calling believers to live in humble, faithful submission to God's revealed truth. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/115251547386919 Religion & Spirituality Mon, 03 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:28:20 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/1031251733264844 How do we live as those who are ready for the return? Matthew 24:45–51 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we live as those who are ready for the return by diligently attending to the life that Christ has appointed for us in His church. The devotional centers on the urgent call to live in constant readiness for Christ's return, emphasizing that faithfulness is demonstrated not through speculation about end-time signs, but through diligent obedience to the specific duties God has assigned within the church. It highlights the danger of spiritual complacency. The parable of the faithful and evil servant warns that those who fail to steward their God-given responsibilities, especially in the public life of the church, are not merely idle but are drifting into hypocrisy, and the ultimate consequence is hell itself. The message calls believers to live with continual awareness of God's presence, not only in anticipation of Christ's return but in the reality of being always before His face. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/1031251733264844 Religion & Spirituality Fri, 31 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:13:55 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/103125226525283 How does God prepare people do be fruitful and effective? Proverbs 19:8–12 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God prepares us for future service by shaping our hearts with Scripture. This passage emphasizes that true wisdom, rooted in the fear of the Lord and shaped by Scripture, is essential for personal flourishing and godly influence. The text warns against falsehood and uncontrolled anger, highlighting that both are destructive, while portraying the disciplined heart as one that exercises restraint and grace, even in positions of authority. Ultimately, cultivating a Scripture-shaped heart prepares every believer for whatever role or responsibility God has prepared for them, whether in humility or leadership, for the glory of God and the good of others. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/103125226525283 Religion & Spirituality Fri, 31 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:07:34 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/1030252358331252 In what manner is the church sanctified? Song of Songs 1:12–14 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the church is sanctified through mutually delighted fellowship with her beloved Lord. The passage reveals a profound spiritual intimacy between the believer and Christ, portraying divine nourishment not as mere instruction but as shared fellowship at the King's table, where both parties delight in one another. Central to this communion is the mutual exchange of fragrance—Christ's sweetness drawing forth the believer's offering of devotion, and the believer's heart finding its deepest joy in being sweet to Christ. The imagery of myrrh, henna, and En-Gedi underscores Christ's abundant, life-giving sweetness and the transformative power of His presence, turning every aspect of life into a place of delight. This relationship is not merely intellectual, but deeply personal, calling the believer to cherish Christ as the most intimate, enduring, and treasured reality—held close like a bundle of myrrh persistently held between the breasts. The passage affirms that spiritual growth occurs through abiding fellowship, where knowing Christ becomes the very means of becoming like Him, sustained by the Holy Spirit's grace. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/1030252358331252 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 30 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:11:26 no James Hakim - Family Worship https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/103025523526276 How are earthly authorities a solution to some of the challenges of a fallen world? Read Ecclesiastes 8:1–14 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these fourteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that God has given earthly authorities to restrain some of the effects of sin, and to remind us that He ultimately answers all sin. The devotional affirms that godly rulers are a divinely ordained gift that mitigates the chaos of human sin, yet remain inherently limited. While wise kings, who uphold justice and discern timely judgment, bring order and restraint, their power is finite—unable to control the spirit, death, or God's providence. The greater danger arises when rulers are wicked, failing to execute judgment swiftly, which emboldens sin and creates a false sense of impunity. Ultimately, earthly outcomes are fleeting and often unjust, but God's final judgment ensures that the righteous will prosper and the wicked will not endure, as their days are but a shadow. Therefore, believers are called not to place ultimate hope in any human authority, but to trust in God's sovereign justice, knowing that temporal injustices will be rectified in His eternal reckoning. https://sa.hpwl.org/sermons/103025523526276 Religion & Spirituality Thu, 30 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000 James Hakim 0:19:51 no James Hakim - Family Worship