Psalm 126 | A Song of Restoration

Psalm 126 | A Song of Restoration

Our series through the Psalms of Ascent continues as Pastor Blaine gets to Psalm 126--a Psalm about Gospel joy that looks back in remembrance and looks forward in hope. Psalm 126 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad. Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negeb! Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. Sermon Notes: Main Idea: Sojourners Find Joy in Past Remembrance and Future Hope I. Persevering Gospel Joy Looks Back in Remembrance II. Persevering Gospel Joy Looks Forward in Hope Reflection: How is God's restorative grace giving you joy today?

Psalm 125 | A Song of Security

Pastor Blaine continues our series through the Psalms of Ascent as we come to Psalm 125, an encouraging song about finding our security in Christ. Psalm 125 Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore. For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest on the land allotted to the righteous, lest the righteous stretch out their hands to do wrong. Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts! But those who turn aside to their crooked ways the Lord will lead away with evildoers! Peace be upon Israel! Sermon Notes: Main Idea: The Righteous Are Safe in Christ. I. A Promise: A Good God protects His people. II. A Warning: A bad king leads people astray. III. A Condition: Only good people get protection. Discussion Questions: 1. Where are you looking for your ultimate safety and security? 2. How does God use the church to protect you from the devil's schemes?

Psalm 124 | A Song of Help

Pastor Blaine continues our series through the Psalms of Ascent as we come to Psalm 124, a powerful Song of Help. In this message, the church is encouraged to worship God for His rescuing grace, recognizing that He has delivered us from an enemy we could never defeat on our own. Psalm 124 If it had not been the Lord who was on our side— let Israel now say— if it had not been the Lord who was on our side when people rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us; then over us would have gone the raging waters. Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us as prey to their teeth! We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped! Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Sermon Notes: Main Idea: A Rescuing God Deserves the Rescued’s Worship I. The Foe We Face Is Unbeatable II. The God We Have Is Undefeatable III. The Worship We Give Is Unending

Psalm 123 | A Song of Relief

Pastor Blaine continues our series through the Psalms of Ascent as we come to Psalm 123—a song of relief that echoes a recurring truth throughout the Psalms: we are poor and needy. In this message, believers are encouraged to fix their eyes on God when the troubles of life arise, trusting that He is able because we are not. Psalm 123 To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he has mercy upon us. Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough of contempt. Our soul has had more than enough of the scorn of those who are at ease, of the contempt of the proud. Sermon Notes: Main Idea: When the going gets tough, the wise look to God. I. We look to God because He is able. II. We look to God because we are not. III. We look to God because He is merciful. Discussion Questions: 1. What are some ways that I look toward my hands instead of God's hands when things get tough? 2. How would an understanding of my total dependence on God change the way I face the journey of this life?

Psalm 122 | A Song of Peace

Pastor Blaine continues our series through the Psalms of Ascent as we come to Psalm 122—a song of peace that invites us to examine our hearts and consider how we view the House of the Lord. Psalm 122 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem! Jerusalem—built as a city that is bound firmly together, to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord. There thrones for judgment were set, the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love you! Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!” For my brothers and companions' sake I will say, “Peace be within you!” For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good. Sermon Notes: Main Idea: There’s No Place Like Church I. A “House of the Lord” Definition: The Place of God’s Presence II. A “House of the Lord” Delight: The Gathering of God’s People III. A “House of the Lord” Desire: The Blessing of God’s Peace Discussion Questions: 1. Read Psalm 122. What is in the text that signals to us that Psalm 122 is not primarily about our delight in and desire for modern day Jerusalem? 2. In what ways do we neglect the church gathering? In what ways can we diminish the delight of the gathering for us and others? 3. What is something you need to do to cultivate a delight in the gathered people of God? 4. Our prayers reveal our desires. What does the prayer of the psalmist reveal? What do your prayers reveal?