Sermons from December 2019
Practices for a New Year from the Psalms
A sermon for the end of the year, rooted in spiritual practices we find in the Psalms. SERMON OUTLINE Spiritual Practices for a New Year from the Psalms: Thanksgiving – Psalm 136 Lament – Psalm 13 Repentance (Confession & Turning Away) – Psalm 51 Focus on God – Psalm 63 An Undivided Heart – Psalm 86 Praise – Psalm 150 Looking Back: What am I most thankful for from the past year (5-10 items)? How have I most seen God…
The Perfect King
Psalm 72 brings us into direct address of God on behalf of the king, who is described both as powerful to rule the nations and to bring justice and mercy. The king is blessed in order to be a blessing to the nations and ultimately to bless God through his reign. SERMON OUTLINE “Then all the nations will be blessed through him, and they will call him blessed.” (Psalm 72:17b) Praying for a Just and Right Ruler (Psalm 72:1-4, 12-14)…
The Eternal Priest
Psalm 110 offers one of the most unique descriptions of the Messiah who would come as both king and priest. Referencing the story of Abraham’s encounter with Melchizedek, ruler of Salem (Genesis 14:18–20), this psalm tells us that the Messiah will be an eternal priestly king like this mysterious figure. SERMON OUTLINE “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.’” (Psalm 110:4) An Oracle of God: The Victorious…
The Suffering Messiah
Psalm 22 is one of the most powerful descriptions of suffering in the entire psalter. It is often connected with Christ’s suffering upon the Cross. Taken on its own terms, this psalm speaks of praise to God amidst suffering. Within the context of Jesus’ life and crucifixion, the depth of this psalm only increases. SERMON OUTLINE “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1) Lamenting God’s Distance (Psalm 22:1-11) Lamenting Evil Opponents (Psalm 22:12-21) Praising God for…
The Beloved Anointed of God
Psalm 2 brings us into the conflict between raging nations and God and His people. The Messiah – literally, ‘the anointed one’ – is named as God’s own son and chosen king upon earth. This is a call to God’s people to serve him and the nations to revere him. The New Testament writers connect this psalm directly with Christ the king. SERMON OUTLINE “Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? The…