Charles Speer and Hollis Maynard • Psalm 150, Psalm 100, Psalm 103:1–5
In this lesson, Charles Spear introduces the Book of Psalms, emphasizing its emotional depth and spiritual value. He discusses how Psalms serve as a guide for developing a language of praise, contrasting it with complaints common in daily life. The lesson covers the structure of Psalms, noting its division into five books, and explores Hebrew poetry's distinctive features, particularly parallelism, which conveys meaning through paired lines of thought. Spear highlights the Psalms' relevance for personal reflection, urging believers to deepen their relationship with God by engaging with this rich, poetic scripture.
Psalms (ASL) - Lesson 2
Charles Speer and Hollis Maynard • Psalm 1:1–2, Psalm 19:1–9
This lesson explores the different types of Psalms, their topics, and the significance of their inscriptions. Emphasizing the theological depth of the Psalms, the lesson highlights their central role in Jewish and Christian worship and their frequent use in the New Testament. The lesson aims to deepen the understanding and appreciation of this poetic and deeply spiritual book.
Psalms (ASL) - Lesson 3
Charles Speer and Hollis Maynard • Psalm 8:3–4, Psalm 19:1–4
This lesson focuses on the Psalms of praise and thanksgiving, particularly emphasizing Psalm 8 and others that highlight God's creation and care for humanity. The speaker explains how these Psalms were used in Israel's worship to express adoration for God's works and His special relationship with His people. Key themes include the majesty of God's creation, human dignity as His supreme creation, and the continuous sustenance He provides. The lesson also touches on the unique structure of certain Psalms and their enduring relevance in expressing gratitude for God's power, protection, and provision.
Psalms (ASL) - Lesson 4
Charles Speer and Hollis Maynard • Psalm 34, Psalm 68, Psalms 95—97, Psalm 108
This lesson explores Psalms that praise God for deliverance from enemies and His faithfulness to His covenant. It examines Psalm 108, which praises God for His love and faithfulness, and Psalm 34, which highlights David's gratitude for God's deliverance from danger. The lesson also discusses Psalm 68, emphasizing God's protection, justice, and care for the oppressed. Psalms 95, 96, 97, and 98 are reviewed for their call to worship and recognize God's judgments. The lesson concludes by noting how Israelites praised God for deliverance and how God remained faithful to His promises despite their sins.
Psalms (ASL) - Lesson 5
Charles Speer and Hollis Maynard
In this lesson, we explore the character of God as depicted in the Psalms. The Psalms reveal God as both majestic and intimate, illustrating His greatness through creation and His personal involvement in human affairs. Key aspects include God’s role as creator, king, and judge, as well as His attributes of power and covenant faithfulness. The lesson highlights various images of God in the Psalms, such as a rock, refuge, and warrior. These images reflect His strength and protection, emphasizing His ongoing relationship with His people. Future lessons will delve into specific psalms and their depiction of God’s nature.
Psalms (ASL) - Lesson 6
Charles Speer and Hollis Maynard • Psalm 91:1–2, Psalm 139, Psalm 23
This lesson explores the dual nature of God as depicted in the Psalms, emphasizing both His power and personal connection with individuals. The first part focuses on Psalm 23, illustrating God as a shepherd who guides, protects, and provides for His people. The second part delves into Psalm 139, highlighting God's omniscience, omnipresence, and intimate care for each person. The lesson encourages believers to find comfort in God's constant presence and deep knowledge of their lives, portraying Him as both a mighty protector and a close, personal friend.
Psalms (ASL) - Lesson 7
Charles Speer and Hollis Maynard • Psalm 19:1–4, Psalm 119:105
The lesson explores how God reveals Himself to humanity through creation and scripture, drawing on examples from Psalms and Paul's teachings. It highlights two forms of revelation: general revelation through the natural world, showcasing God's power, order, and existence, and special revelation through His word, providing spiritual guidance. Psalms 19 and 104 are key examples, with Psalm 19 emphasizing God's glory in creation and His law's perfection, while Psalm 104 reflects God's care for His creation. The passage underscores the importance of recognizing and responding to these divine revelations in both worship and daily life.
Psalms (ASL) - Lesson 8
Charles Speer and Hollis Maynard • Psalm 119:105, Psalm 19:7–8, Psalm 1:1–2
The lesson delves into Psalm 119, emphasizing the importance of a deep relationship with God through His Word. It highlights the Psalmist's attitudes: a desire to seek God wholeheartedly, understand His Word, and obey His commandments. The Psalmist views affliction as a tool used by God to bring him closer to righteousness. The lesson encourages readers to approach God's Word with reverent awe, recognizing its power and wisdom, and to cultivate a relationship with God that is active, sincere, and rooted in a deep respect for His teachings.
Psalms (ASL) - Lesson 9
Charles Speer and Hollis Maynard • Psalm 78:1–4, Psalm 44:1–3
This lesson explores how the Psalms emphasize the importance of remembering Israelite history to shape a proper worldview. It highlights how understanding God's actions in the past influences current faith and behavior. The Psalms, particularly Psalm 78, recount Israel's past mistakes, emphasizing the need to teach future generations to avoid repeating them. The lesson underscores that a proper view of history, especially God's deliverance and provision, is crucial for maintaining faith and obedience. It concludes by reflecting on how historical Psalms encourage trust in God's faithfulness and power, urging Israel to learn from their ancestors' experiences.
Psalms (ASL) - Lesson 10
Charles Speer and Hollis Maynard
This lesson explores the Royal Psalms, focusing on God's role as the ultimate king and the earthly kings of Israel as His representatives. It highlights the dual leadership seen in the Psalms, where God reigns supreme, yet appoints kings like David to lead Israel. The lesson discusses how these Psalms blend themes of God's sovereignty, justice, and protection with the king's role in ensuring righteousness and peace. The Royal Psalms also foreshadow the Messianic king, Jesus, emphasizing His divine kingship and the fulfillment of God's covenant with David.
Psalms (ASL) - Lesson 11
Charles Speer and Hollis Maynard • Psalm 89:3–6, Psalm 132:11–12, Psalm 110:1–4, Psalm 72, Psalm 2:7
The lesson explores the significance of the Davidic Covenant in the Book of Psalms, highlighting the connection between David, his lineage, and the coming Messiah, Jesus. It emphasizes how David, chosen by God, became a model for future kings of Israel, with Psalms reflecting prayers for the king's health, victories, and his role as God's representative. The lesson also discusses the messianic prophecy in 2 Samuel 7, where God promises David an eternal kingdom through his descendants, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Psalms 45, 101, 132, and 89 are examined for their insights into this covenant and its implications.
Psalms (ASL) - Lesson 12
Charles Speer and Hollis Maynard • Psalms 120—134
This lesson explores the "Songs of Ascents" in Psalms 120-134, often sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem. The speaker discusses various interpretations, ultimately favoring the view that these are pilgrimage songs. The Psalms reflect themes of trust in God's protection, longing for Jerusalem, and the significance of the city as the center of worship and justice. The lesson also touches on historical context, including the return from Babylonian captivity, and emphasizes the importance of God's presence and guidance in the lives of the faithful as they journey both physically and spiritually.
Psalms (ASL) - Lesson 13
Charles Speer and Hollis Maynard • Psalm 91:1–2, Psalm 23:1, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 121:1–2
This lesson explores the rich spiritual and emotional tapestry found in the Book of Psalms, particularly the Songs of Ascents. It emphasizes the power of Psalms to provide strength, express deep emotions, and celebrate God's blessings. The study highlights themes like longing for God's presence, seeking protection, receiving blessings, and the importance of unity among believers. The lesson also underscores the significance of forgiveness, humility, and trust in God, using vivid imagery from the Psalms to convey the profound connection between the worshiper and the divine. It concludes with reflections on the enduring peace and unity provided by faith.
Psalms (ASL) - Lesson 14
Charles Speer and Hollis Maynard • Psalm 3:1–4, Psalm 18:6, Psalm 22:1–2, Psalm 34:17, Psalm 40:1–3
This lesson explores the "deliverance Psalms" in the Book of Psalms, which are prayers from people in deep distress, seeking rescue from their afflictions. The speaker compares these Psalms to a desperate 911 call, where the afflicted cry out for God's help. These Psalms often begin with a plea for deliverance, describe the pain and suffering of the psalmist, and conclude with a renewed hope in God and praise for His future deliverance. The lesson emphasizes the importance of maintaining faith in God, even in the midst of suffering and uncertainty.
Psalms (ASL) - Lesson 15
Charles Speer and Hollis Maynard • Psalm 7:9, Psalm 35:1–8, Psalm 58:6, Psalm 109:6–15, Psalm 137:8–9
The lesson focuses on the "imprecatory Psalms" in the Bible, which are prayers calling for God's judgment or curses upon enemies. These Psalms express intense emotions and desires for justice, often using strong and vivid language. The speaker discusses the appropriateness of such prayers for Christians, considering the Old and New Covenants. The lesson highlights the cultural and poetic context of these Psalms and questions whether modern believers should adopt this language in worship. The conclusion suggests that, while challenging, these Psalms reflect a deep yearning for divine justice against true evil.
