The Psalms

Part 24

November 26, 2017 • Tom Hendrikse

Our series from the psalms concludes with the first of five consecutive psalms of praise. The psalmist praises God who dispenses both mercy and justice. If we honestly have faith in that same God, we will lead lives characterized by the same traits.

Part 23

November 19, 2017 • Tom Hendrikse

God knows everything about you: everything you do, say and think. Despite knowing you better than anyone else ever could, he loves you and has declared you righteous. From before you existed, God has seen and ordained every day of your life.

Part 22

November 12, 2017 • Sam Kastensmidt

Martin Luther said this psalm was one of his favorites because the gospel was evident in it. He even wrote a hymn, "From Depths of Woe I Raise to Thee" based on Psalm 130. Pastor Sam Kastensmidt unveils God's tender love for us, expressed in this psalm.

Part 21

November 5, 2017 • Matt Lomenick

The psalmist praises God because he is an abundantly available help in time of trouble--both trouble from within and from without. Pastor Matt Lomenick addresses the tricky subject of mental health, with a panel discussion at the end.

Part 20

October 29, 2017 • Tom Hendrikse

We don't ask questions when evil or careless people suffer. We see it as the consequence of their choices. But what about when GOOD people suffer? That's the setting for Psalm 44, and while the answer might not be what we want, it's likely what we need.

Part 19

October 22, 2017 • Tom Hendrikse

What is the meaning of life? Why do we exist? When we are gone, will anyone remember our name? This psalm finds David asking these sorts of existential questions. The answer from God is that any life can have significant meaning if it is given over to Him. Tom's Questions: 1) When you die, will it matter than you lived?

Part 18

October 15, 2017 • Tom Hendrikse

Psalm 38 finds David suffering; He knows why and never protests his innocence. He understands that he is experiencing the discipline and rebuke of the Lord. However, sometimes pain comes without that understanding. How can we bear up under either kind? Tom's Questions: 1) What are you carrying that's too heavy for you right now?

Part 17

October 8, 2017 • Tom Hendrikse

David's distress drove him to God, and to publicly stake his fate on God before his family and a watching world. As a result, the peril was good, though he probably didn't call it such at the moment. Is it time to change a label on something in your life? Tom's Questions: 1) What difficult or "bad" thing are you facing in life right now? 2) What is it teaching you about your soul (who or what you're really looking to for identity, safety, and security)? 3) How might God being trying to use it to drive you to himself and to get you to publicly stake your fate on God? (Because if that's the end result, then it is good!)

Part 16

October 1, 2017 • Matt Lomenick

Who are God's righteous ones? Those whom God has decided may live on his holy mountain, what is unique about them? This psalm describes many of the character elements that should mark the lives of these people. Pastor Matt Lomenick brings us the message.

Part 15

September 24, 2017 • Tom Hendrikse

Praise is not optional; it's missional. We should not hide our praise from others because God has given it TO us, FOR them. It's good for them! Moreover, praise is good for our own soul. So why aren't we more open in our praise? The answer is right here.

Part 14

September 17, 2017 • Tom Hendrikse

Probably the most famous of all the psalms, Psalm 23 is packed with metaphors that explain the care Jesus takes of his sheep. Who are these sheep? Those who recognize his voice and follow him when he calls. A message of comfort for those in the storm.

Part 12

August 27, 2017 • Sam Kastensmidt

About forgiveness, David writes that having your sins covered, and your iniquities remembered no more, makes one truly blessed. The opposite of which is the oppressive weight of unconfessed sin. But God is forever ready to surround us in steadfast love.

Part 11

August 20, 2017 • Tom Hendrikse

Psalm 22 is the Psalm of the Cross. Jesus himself quotes verse one as he hung on the cross dying for our sins. The prophetic descriptions in this psalm are especially remarkable because they were made long before the invention of crucifixion.

Part 10

August 13, 2017 • Tom Hendrikse

The psalms are Israel's book of worship. A collection of songs and poems with a central message that God alone can be trusted. They record the many ways in which we come under attack and how we cannot rely on ourselves or anyone but God for deliverance.

Part 9

August 6, 2017 • Tom Hendrikse

Psalm 19 is a psalm of praise and perspective. Set against the backdrop of the universe, we are a speck living on a speck of a planet located in a speck of a galaxy. However, we are important enough to God that he sacrificed himself for us. How marvelous!

Rio Vista Church

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