Fellowshipmtz

Genesis 1:1-3 - Three Approaches to Creation

Genesis 1:1-3

For our purposes, within Biblical Christianity, there are three general approaches to understanding the first three verses of Genesis.  (I am NOT including less Biblical approaches that discount or disregard what the text says.)  The point here is to fairly recognize how otherwise good Christians may approach the text different from one's own tradition or persuasion.

Introduction to Genesis!

Genesis! (Laying the foundation for how the book -- especially the Creation account -- will be approached)

GUEST: Jim Johnson - Faith in Affliction

Guest speaker, Jim Johnson, considers select Bible passages on the (inevitable) prospect of believers enduring hardship or affliction -- and how Scripture offers encouragement and guidance during those times.

Psalm 33 - LORD of Creation, History, Humanity, & Salvation!

Psalm 33!

A terrific psalm for the first Sunday of a new year (a week late since the actual first Sunday was cancelled due to inclement weather).  Side note: The recording begins with applause, but that's not for me (the pastor) -- rather, it's from a congregational stereo song that just ended that ends with applause.  :-)

Psalm 148 - Two Choirs of Praise!

Psalm 148

A praise psalm if there ever was one!  "Praise" occurs 13x in the English Standard Version Bible; "all" occurs 9x.  What are you waiting for?

Psalm 112:6-10 - Not Afraid (of Bad News)

Psalm 112:6-10

Arthur E. Cundall,  Daily Devotional Bible Commentary, Psalms–Malachi, vol. 2, (1974), 98

In Psalm 112 the sentiments are, as might be expected, in the tradition of Proverbs, no mention being made of exceptions.  Note the link made by v. 3b between the two psalms; since man's righteousness is derived from God, the same affirmation can be made of man's and God's.  We should translate v. 4, 'To those who fear God he is like a light that shines in darkness; he is merciful, gracious and righteous' (Weiser); he shows the same type of attributes as does God.  The RSV emendation is unfortunate, for we are dealing with the righteous man, not with God's actions.  We must link v. 5 with v. 9 (cf. comments on Psa. 15:5).  The righteous is always prepared to lend, but when he meets the genuinely poor he gives.  This is what is meant by saying he 'conducts his affairs with justice' (5b) — his standard is not human law, but the moral demands of God.  

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.