Psalms 1-10: Two Ways To Live

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(1) What two ways to live are presented in this psalm?

What are the results of each way?

(2-10) How do these psalms describe the righteous?  What are they like?  What do they do?

How well does this description describe you?  What changes do you need to make in your life?

How does God respond to the righteous?

When have you seen God act toward you in one of those ways?

(2-10) How do the psalms describe the wicked?  What are they like?  What do they do?

How does God respond to the wicked?  Does anything surprise you?

In light of these psalms, how do you think we should respond when we see the actions of the wicked?  How should we not respond?

(2) Since we all sin, how can any of us be counted among the righteous (v12, see also Hebrews 6:17-20)?

(1-10) Which verse(s) or psalm especially speaks to you, and why?

Passion Points

On By BrianIn PASSION Points

Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:

How Scripture Empowers Personal Holiness – John MacArthur (Crossway)
Christian spirituality involves growing to be like God in character and conduct by personally submitting to the transforming work of God’s Word and God’s Spirit.

Words Matter: Recovering Godly Speech in a Culture of Profanity – Jon Payne (ref21)
Dear Christian, words matter. They have the power to build up and to tear down; to bless and to poison (c.f. James 3). Therefore, let us recover, cultivate, and model godly speech in our homes, schools, neighborhoods, communities, and churches.

The Case for Boredom – Kevin DeYoung
I don’t get bored as much as I should. Chances are neither do you. And the chances are exceedingly good that your children aren’t as bored as they should be.

More God in the Daily Grind – Joshua Bremerman (DG)
God has closely connected the way we work and how unbelievers view the gospel.

Hope you have a great Lord’s Day!

Sermons Songs: Mark 1:29-39

On By BrianIn Mark Hymns

MusicNotes

Jesus healed by His great pow-er
Hope in Him and serve each day
He prayed at an early ho-ur
Discipline yourself to pray
He came proclaiming the kingdom
Repent, believe, enter in
Proclaim that others may now come
And together follow Him
Tell me the story of Jesus
Write on my heart ev’ry word
Tell me the story most precious
That I might live what I’ve heard

(Some words by Fanny Crosby, to the tune of “Tell Me the Story of Jesus”)

Reflections on II Samuel 23-24

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Today we see one final story about David.  Note:

  • Sin and consequences – Chapter 24 repeats the same themes of chapters 11-12. David sins.  He confesses his sin.  Yet there are still consequences – consequences that hurt not only him but the entire nation.  Sin always has consequences.  Are you guarding your life against temptation?  Seek the Lord’s help!
  • Sacrifice – David offers a sacrifice to the Lord to end the punishment for his sin. David’s son Solomon will later build the temple on the exact spot of David’s sacrifice, and more sacrifices will be made to cover sin.  Finally, Jesus will come to offer himself as the final sacrifice for sin.  Praise the Lord for Jesus who paid for all of our sins!

Reflections on II Samuel 20-22

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Today’s passage tells a few more stories about David, and records one of his songs.  Consider:

  • Sin and consequences – Sheba rebels and must face the consequences. Saul sinned, and his descendants faced the consequences.  When you are tempted to sin, remember that there are consequences for you and the people around you.
  • God as our refuge – David praises the Lord for helping him against his enemies. He calls God not only his refuge, but also his rock, fortress, deliver, shield, stronghold, and savior.  When has God been these things to you?  In what situation do you need him to be these things to you now?

II Samuel 20-24: Sin and Salvation

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(20) Summarize this chapter.

What was Sheba’s sin, and what were the consequences?

How would you describe Joab from this chapter and earlier chapters?

(21) What was Saul’s sin?  What were the consequences?  What was their solution?

What does their solution tell you about sin?  How might their solution point to Jesus?

Do you think their solution was God’s will?

(21, 23) What do 21:15-22 and 23:8-39 tell you about David’s success in battle and as king?

What spiritual principle is there for us to recognize?

(22-23) According to David, what was the ultimate source of his success as king?  How is David saved from his enemies?

Which verses in chapter 22 especially speak to you?

How might 23:1-7 point to Jesus?

(24) What was David’s sin?  What were the consequences?  Does that seem fair?  Can you think of contemporary examples?

How might this principle relate to Adam and Jesus?

How would you further describe Joab from this chapter?

How do David’s last actions in the book point to Jesus?

Passion Points

On By BrianIn PASSION Points

Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:

10 Things You Should Know about Sanctification – Sam Storms
We all hear a great deal about Christian sanctification, but what precisely is it, and how does it work? Today we look at ten things about this crucial biblical truth.

When You Feel Dead On The Inside – Jedidiah Coppenger
So what do you do when you feel dead on the inside? What do you say to your loved ones when they feel this way? I’ve found that people who reflect on the following 10 diagnostic questions find the life and energy they’ve been missing more quickly and deeply than those that don’t. The way you answer these questions will determine what steps you need to take next.

Reading Out of Love for Others – Tim Challies
Reading is a solitary pursuit. You grab your book, you kick back on the couch, and the hours roll by. But even though reading is a solitary pursuit, it is not necessarily a selfish one. Reading can actually be an important way to love others. Here are five ways to love others in your reading.

What We Need to Learn from the Early Church – Tim Keller (TGC)
The earliest church was seen as too exclusive and a threat to the social order because it would not honor all deities; today Christians are again being seen exclusive and a threat to the social order because we will not honor all identities.

Hope you have a great Lord’s Day!

Sermon Songs: Mark 1:21-28

On By BrianIn Mark Hymns

MusicNotes

He spoke with great authority
His teaching – hear and obey
Submit with all humility
Amazed at all He does say
He cast out the unclean spirit
Be in awe of His great power
He is our hope now believe it
Spread forth His fame ev’ry hour
Tell me the story of Jesus
Write on my heart ev’ry word
Tell me the story most precious
That I might live what I’ve heard

(Some words by Fanny Crosby, to the tune of “Tell Me the Story of Jesus”)

Reflections on II Samuel 18-19

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Absalom is killed and David returns to Jerusalem.

  • Pardon – As David returns to Jerusalem he pardons those who had sided with Absalom. He even makes Absalom’s general Amasa his new general.  Do you pardon those who hurt you?  Who do you need to forgive and reconcile with?
  • Revenge – Joab has a different heart than David. Rather than spare Absalom, he kills him.  Later he will kill Amasa who was to take his place as general.  What do you do when people cross you?  Are you seeking vengeance on someone?