We are back in the book of Psalms this week. Today we read of the importance of reading scripture, submitting to God’s Son and trusting in God against those who oppose us.
Psalms 1: Book One The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked
1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Psalms 2: The Reign of the LORD's Anointed
1 Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying,
3 "Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us."
4 He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6 "As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill."
7 I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, "You are my Son; today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."
10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Psalms 3: Save Me, O My God A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.
1 O LORD, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me;
2 many are saying of my soul, there is no salvation for him in God. Selah
3 But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.
4 I cried aloud to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah
5 I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.
7 Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.
8 Salvation belongs to the LORD; your blessing be on your people! Selah
Things to think about…
1. In Psalm 1 we see a progression of the activity of a righteous person in the midst of evil. The man who is upright before the Lord does not walk, stand or sit in any way with those who would distract him from seeking after God. Wherever he goes (walks) he is walking in the Lord’s will. When he needs to take or receive counsel (stands) he does so with the light of God’s word and when he rests or studies (sits) he is reading, praying and seeking after the Lord’s wisdom and counsel. In Psalm 1:3 regardless of the season, he is planted in the place where there is the source of life – water. When trial or dry periods come “his leaves do not whither”, but in everything he prospers. They are contrasted with the wicked. Rather than walking with the Lord they are driven away from his presence, vs 4. Rather than making a stand for the Lord and doing what is right, they cannot and do not desire to stand with the Lord in judgment or in unison with God’s people. These folk want nothing to do with God’s Word or Christ. Finally, rather than sit and reflect on the privilege of knowing the Lord, they think of no-one except themselves. Their ultimate end is that they will not sit with the Lord at His table, but will perish, vs 6.
2. Psalm 2 is all about the rule of the King. In this case, the kingdom is described as belonging to the Son. This of course is prophetic Psalm about the rule and reign of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Psalm 2:1-5 speak about the focus and folly of the nations who are anti-Christ that want to set themselves up against His kingdom. We know that they are so desirous in their pursuits that one day they will embrace the rule of the antichrist. But Christ will rule, vs 6 and the Lord has brought Him forth to the earth vs 7, cf John 3:16. Resisting Him is folly, vs 8 because He is also the judge that will smash them as one would worthless pottery, vs 9. This echoes Jeremiah 19:1-9. The final counsel in Psalm 2 is to consider who we are dealing with. Think about your words and actions. The counsel to the nations is to repent, and kiss the Son, vs 12. Why? Because He is the judge and is angry with sin. Praise God He has made a way to forgive sin and restore us back to the Father via the cross. David says “Blessed are all who take refuge in him”. The best news ever!
3. Psalm 3 describes the result of strife within King David’s household. David certainly knew what was to have family strife. As a result of his sin of adultery with Bathsheba the Lord had said strife would not leave his family, 2Sam 12:11, even though his sin was forgiven. Sometimes even though our sin is forgiven there may still be ongoing consequences. David’s son Absalom rose up against David because he was counselled to do so by a bitter man named Ahithophel who once counselled David but was also Bathsheba’s grandfather, 2Sam 23:34. As such David went on the run from his son. It would not end well for Absalom, but this Psalm is about David’s time running from his son who is described as a foe, vs 1 and an enemy, vs 7. The promise for David is that God had heard his prayer and that the Lord would continue to protect and sustain him and continue to be his protector and deliverer. David finishes the Psalm with “Salvation belongs to the LORD; your blessing be on your people.” This is true regardless of the trial of the season. The Lord saves us at the end of the day, even from our own rebellious sin. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine..
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Prayer points
1. Pray God’s word on Sunday bears fruit of obedience and blessing.
2. Pray for our Mother’s Day event
3. Pray for Iran and the overthrow of a wicked regime.
May the Iranian people see the prophesy of Jer 49:34-39 fulfilled over the coming weeks and months.
4. Pray for the Sacred Minds podcast – first one online last week.
5. Pray for One for Israel and their witness in this time of challenge and conflict.
6. Pray for the church in Australia that it focuses on Christ, His Word and holiness.
7. Pray for our leaders in Australia that they press in closer to Christ.
8. The Royal Commission that the Jewish people will feel safe in Australia.
9. Pray for new people to step into ministries at CBC – eg worship, café, sound/technical, giving, podcast.
10. Reform and Revival over our city and country.
11. Finances to cover our needs
12. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to increase.
Praise Points
1. Praise the Lord for the encouragement the Word of God brought people over the weekend.
2. Praise God for ministries – Life Groups, Prayer meetings, Kids@Church
3. Café team every week. Thankyou to all those who serve and bring food. Especially Fiona, Maddie and Suzy and those who supply it every week Eg Ros - Milk.
4. Worship, Admin and Technical teams – Peter, Nita, Brendon, AJ, Suzy, Maddie, Mathys, Doug.
5. Kids Church teachers – Jacqueline, Maddie, Elise, Anastacia and Fiona
6. The Lord’s faithfulness this year to CBC and all who have served in ministries
7. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Ministries back - Prayer meeting Wed 5:30pm at church. Life group begins at 6:30pm. Going through the book of Romans.
2. All Life Groups - Wednesdays.
3. Kids@Church starts up this week.
4. Mother’s Day High tea celebration – Saturday morning, May 9th at Church.
5. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
6. Tune in again this week on our YouTube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for April...
Q. 7. What is meant by the Atonement? A. Christ satisfying divine justice, by his sufferings and death, in the place of sinners.
