Summer of Psalms (Part 4)

From Distance to Devotion

September 25, 2022 • Jonathan Parnell

In this Sermon on Psalm 61, Pastor Jonathan Parnell gives three steps to take when we feel far away. It begins with desiring change, followed by remembering God is for us, and then we must also have hope in the Messiah. David has this hope moving from distance to devotion and he wants us to know that it is centered on Jesus.

Fall Back to the Banner

September 18, 2022 • David Mathis

In this sermon from Pastor David Mathis, we learn from Psalm 60 the spiritual dynamic of fleeing to God in our devastation. God's sovereignty inspires our hope, we should flee to the banner of his word, we should call upon his decisive action in prayer, and we should know that God protects his own – without even breaking a sweat.

Do Not Throw Back

September 11, 2022 • Kenneth Ortiz

In this sermon, Pastor Kenny Ortiz exposits David's feelings of being hunted by Saul's men in Psalm 59. God has determined David to be the next king and it is laughable to try and stop God's plan. David is confident in the steadfast love of God, therefore he will build his life upon this truth. Thus, he does not seek vengeance when the spears are hurling toward him. When faced with persecution, do not throw back – suffer the mistreatment and ask God for his deliverance.

How to Pray Imprecations

September 4, 2022 • Jonathan Parnell

In this sermon, Pastor Jonathan Parnell exposits Psalm 58 to provide three guiding principles to faithfully pray imprecations. We cannot, only God has the power and authority to, judge the wicked.

From the Cave to the Heavens and Back

August 28, 2022 • Joe Rigney

In this sermon from Psalm 57, Pastor Joe Rigney draws comparisons from the works of Plato and C.S. Lewis to help us picture the contrast between our dark world on earth and the greatness of the heavens. We should look to the heavens, preaching and singing to ourselves the greatness of God. We should be reminded of his good purposes and climb out of the cave by living like a Narnian.

The Assurance of Salvation

August 21, 2022 • Jonathan Parnell

In this sermon, Pastor Jonathan Parnell preaches from Psalm 56 on the assurance of salvation. He clarifies what it is and what it is not, as well as suggests one means by which we may experience more assurance in our lives.

Call Upon His Name

August 14, 2022 • Kenneth Ortiz

In this sermon, Pastor Kenny Ortiz explains how Psalm 55 shows that the more often we preach to ourselves the goodness of God, the more confident we will be in the goodness of God. Pastor Kenny also provides many practical ways in which we can preach to ourselves and cast our anxieties and burdens on the one who cares for us.

Pray, Preach, Praise

August 7, 2022 • Jonathan Parnell

In this sermon, Pastor Jonathan Parnell shows us David's example in Psalm 54 of three faithful acts to follow when we find ourselves in crisis situations. We can't, but God can.

The Fool's Hope

July 31, 2022 • Ryan Griffith

In this sermon, Pastor Ryan Griffith explores the reality that we are all like the fool as described in Psalm 53. But despite the foolishness of humanity, we have an assured hope in the promise that God will restore his people!

A Green Olive Tree

July 24, 2022 • Jordan Hecox

In this sermon on Psalm 52, Jordan Hecox reminds us of the joy that catastrophe is temporary. The story will turn and Christ will reconcile all. Remembering that this life is not the end, we should be rooted like an olive tree because we know eternity with Christ is our happy ending.

Honest to God

July 17, 2022 • Jonathan Parnell

In this sermon on Psalm 51, Pastor Jonathan Parnell explains how an honest perspective of our own sinfulness contributes to a good relationship with God. We are worse sinners than we think we are. God delights in a contrite heart. Praying Psalm 51 is a way in which we can seek God's mercy.

Worship God Rightly

July 10, 2022 • Mike Polley

In this sermon, Pastor Mike Polley expounds upon Psalm 50's direction to accept God's invitation to worship Him truly and flee from any misguided, empty, or hypocritical worship of which God rebukes us. God wants our genuine delight, not a mask or external posture. He doesn't want us to just act happy, but to be happy!

God Will Ransom My Soul

July 3, 2022 • Kenneth Ortiz

In this sermon, Pastor Kenny Ortiz expresses through Psalm 49 the significance of death for our lives. Yet, through Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 15 we know that Christ has defeated death. Jesus has paid our ransom!

Ancient Hope in the New Jerusalem

June 26, 2022 • Jonathan Parnell

In this sermon, Pastor Jonathan Parnell expounds the meaning of Psalm 48, explaining that its purpose is to deepen our hope in heaven for the sake of our witness to the next generation.

The Great King of All the World

June 19, 2022 • Mike Schumann

In this sermon, Mike Schumann expounds upon the slap-in-the-face type truth that Psalm 47 declares: the great authority of God's kingship. This truth demands our worship. Do you see in this Psalm God's pursuit and rightful authority over you?

Cities Church