Summer Psalms 2021
Inciting Hallelujahs
September 5, 2021 • Pastor Paul Edwards • Psalm 117
Psalm 117 is the gospel in miniature. Here, both Jew ("the people") and Gentile ("the nations") are called upon to praise Jehovah. But how can Gentiles, whose gods are idols, be expected to praise Jehovah, the exclusive God of Israel? What has God done to incite shouts of "Hallelujah!" even from those who don't recognize Him as God?
"The Lord is Mindful of Us"
August 8, 2021 • Pastor Paul Edwards • Psalm 115:9–13
In ever tightening concentric circles, beginning with the Church, and moving to the leaders of the Church, and culminating with the individuals in the congregation, the Psalmist enjoins us to trust the Lord as our help and shield.
Singing in the Pain
August 8, 2021 • Pastor Paul Edwards • Psalm 130
What do you sing when you are feeling down? When you are "in the depths"? Psalm 130 is a song sung blue in the midst of depression and sadness. When the world sings the blues, their songs commiserate with us in our pain, but because they have no regard for God and His promises, they cannot alleviate our pain. In Christ, God has done something about our pain.
"The Lord Loved Solomon"
July 11, 2021 • Pastor Paul Edwards
Why does God love us? The answer to that question is found in the Lord's love for Solomon before he had done either anything good (to cause God to love him) or bad (to cause God to hate him). Solomon is the "beloved of God," and so is everyone whom God has set His affections upon from eternity.
"They Called...He Answered Them"
July 11, 2021 • Pastor Paul Edwards
What's so amazing about God's people calling upon the Lord and the Lord answering them? When we consider the holiness of the LORD against the backdrop of our rebellion and rejection of the LORD, it is amazing that He answers our call rather than just consuming us in His wrath.
The Source and Security of Liberty
July 4, 2021 • Pastor Paul Edwards
The 48th Psalm offers for us a model for the success and prosperity of human governments. But even though we implement this model, our love of country should never displace from our hearts the affection we have for our eternal home.
Biblical Justice: The Salvation of Our God
June 27, 2021 • Pastor Paul Edwards
The primary concern of the psalmist in Psalm 98 is justice. He calls this justice "God's salvation" (v. 1) and "the salvation of our God" (v. 3). The world is longing for justice. Every news cycle reminds us of that. The salvation of our God is the justice the world longs for, but is blind to. The world is looking for justice in all the wrong places. In this message we identify how biblical justice differs from social justice and God's plan to impose His justice on the world.
Our Exalted Lord: Not Safe, But Good
June 20, 2021 • Pastor Paul Edwards
Psalm 97 pulls back the veil on the throne of Heaven where we see our Sovereign Lord veiled in thick darkness with fire proceeding before Him. Our God is not safe, but He is good because righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.