Fellowshipmtz

Psalm 112 - Blessings & Obligations of the One Who Fears the LORD

Psalm 112 (part 1)

The last verse of Psalm 111 reads, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;  all those who practice it have a good understanding.  His praise endures forever!"  The first verse of Psalm 112 picks up where the last psalm left off: "Praise the LORD!   Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,  who greatly delights in His commandments!"

Psalm 111 - Celebration of GOD's Doings!

Psalm 111

This alphabetic acrostic psalm celebrates the LORD's works and His precepts (what we might recognize as His Word).  The psalm ends with the important precept: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding.  His praise endures forever."

Psalm 92:6-15 - Human Flourishing

Psalm 92:6-15

In part 1 (the week before) we considered the first strophe (movement, stanza).  In this message we cover the remainder of the psalm, especially contrasting two kinds of "flourishing" -- one that ends in death and disappointment and one that bears eternal rewards.

Psalm 92 - It Is Good to Give Thanks!

Psalm 92  ( part 1 )

After some general observations we considered the psalm's first strophe (movement), verses 1-5.  The LORD's thoughts (and works) are a beautiful tapestry of His steadfast love and faithfulness.

The Inadequacies (or Failure) of Every Reformation - Nehemiah 13

Nehemiah 12:43 > The High Point of Reformation!
Nehemiah 12:44-47 & 13:1-3 > Two Appendices
Nehemiah 13:4-31 > Coda (Failure)

Including two audio excerpts featuring Don Carson: "We earnestly seek reformation, but help us never to be so foolish as to imagine that by our reforms, by our organization, by our gifts, somehow we will bring in utopia.  For this, merciful God, we await in eager anticipation the return of your dear Son, and we cry, 'Have mercy upon us. Come, Lord Jesus, come.'  Amen."

* D. A. Carson, “Nehemiah: The Triumph and Failure of Reformation — Part 5,” in D. A. Carson Sermon Library (Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, 2016), Ne 11–13.

Nehemiah 12 - Faith's Celebration! (Dedicating the Wall!)

Nehemiah 12:1-43

Gregory Goswell (Academic Dean at Christ College in New Zealand) writes in A Study Commentary on Ezra-Nehemiah,  (EP, 2013), 380.  "There is little prospect of Nehemiah 11 becoming one of the Old Testament's most famous or best loved chapters.  The modern reader does not find long lists of difficult Hebrew names very interesting.  The chapter is not, however, without its value or purpose..  Coming as it does after chapters 8-10 that have described the reformation of the people and the revival of spiritual life among them, it makes the point that only now are the people in a fit state to inhabit the holy city [Jerusalem]." 

In other words, the developing theme and theology contained in Ezra-Nehemiah is that in spite of all their recent hardships, 
Israel are still the LORD's chosen people.  Further, the LORD's purposes of redemption, His rule and reign, are inseparably tied to Jerusalem ("the holy city") -- and these Israelites' actions believe that.

Nehemiah 11 - Willing Service for a Cause Bigger Than Oneself

Nehemiah 11

So many genealogies!  So many names!  Why does it matter to God?|
In Nehemiah, it is evident the people understand and support the larger mission to reestablish Jerusalem.  Similarly, the Church is tasked with a mission bigger than any of our own individual aspirations.  What is the mission?

Nehemiah 10:30-39 - Intermarriage, Sabbaths, Temple Worship

Nehemiah 10:30-39

We draw our attention to understanding the significance of the three specific categories to which the Israelites pledge their obedience (and how those categories apply to the Christian Church).

Baptisms - "For the Sake of..."

Special message on the meaning and significance of Christian baptism.

Nehemiah 10:30-39 - The Specific Oaths of the Larger Agreement

Nehemiah 10:30-39

It is relatively *easy* to talk in general terms about making necessary changes, but now Israel gets down to some very specific, identifiable, measurable steps:

1.  Intermarriages (family)
2.  Sabbaths
3.  Supporting Temple ministry