Psalm 113 Christianity has its challenges. It places demands on us that set us apart from the rest of our world. The bible calls us a peculiar people, who navigate the challenge of living IN the world, without being OF the world. When we say ‘no’ to temptations that are enjoyed by the masses, we are labeled as self-righteous snobs, religious weirdoes, or worse. But we persevere, and we press toward that invisible line the Apostle Paul drew in the sands of time…for the high calling in Christ Jesus. All of us have encountered someone in our lifetime – a family member, a co-worker, a neighbor, or an acquaintance – who asked us WHY? Why do we pour all of our talents, all of our gifts, and all of our service into church? They make a carnal argument that we cannot see Jesus, we cannot hear Jesus, and we cannot receive anything from Jesus. So why do we serve Jesus? And of course, we make the counter argument that we do indeed see Him with our spiritual eye; we do indeed hear His voice, not with our ears, but with our heart, and we do indeed receive the daily gift of His guidance as Deliverer. But many scoff and simply turn away. That’s what you get when you’re in mixed company – the saved and the unsaved. But today it’s just us, the saints of God. And if you’re like me, after being rejected all week, you need a recharge of your spiritual battery. So let’s recharge our spirits by linking up to one of my favorite power sources of scripture…Psalm 113. Psalm 113 reads like a 1st century pep talk for those with spiritual burnout. The writer makes his case for the Lord by pointing to the many ways that God earns our praise. These nine verses of scripture are saturated with three specific reasons to praise the Lord – He is Su... ... middle of paper ... ...ied by His Spirit. And more, we are now saved through His salvation, adopted into His family, and sheltered in His arms. The Lord is Supreme…He is the One, True and Living God. The Lord is our Benefactor…He makes us to lie down in green pastures. The Lord is our Creator…He fashioned us in His image. The motive for our praise is to believe in Christ. The rest of our praise is to trust in Christ. The wisdom for our praise is to learn of Christ. The joy of our praise is to obey Christ. The satisfaction of our praise is to submit to Christ. And the hope of our praise is to look for Christ. Christ, the Jewel of God’s Creation. We are calmed through His peace, Strengthened through His power, Encouraged through His promises, Refreshed through His glory, Assured through His voice, And sustained through His touch. I’ve got a reason to praise the Lord!
We all know how it is to go on church on sunday but what about those who don’t go and maybe don’t believe? In a part of their heart or soul they still keep jesus with them because they know he listens and that even though they might have changed as well they have a purpose. Being a believer or a non-believer doesn’t mean that their is secrets everyone wishes to overcome about where even jesus came from and how this all
...nd analyzing the writing of Pope Francis it allowed me to further my understanding of not only his particular style of teaching, but also of the various issues surrounding Christian ethics. Reading his book, changed my perspective on a few issues and had an impact on me in regards to my life as a Christian. By writing this paper, I was able to identify the main focuses of Christianity in order to become more effect, relevant, and credible. In addition, I was able to further my understanding of the issues surrounding Christian ethics, which will allow me to help others more effectively by following in Jesus’s footsteps. Overall, I enjoyed the assignment and it opened up my eyes to the different issues surrounding the four areas of concern mentioned in The Joy of the Gospel, which are the new idolatry of money, option for the poor, inequality, and common good/peace.
Many people believe that today’s Christians are too sheltered and oblivious to the real world around them. When asked, many outsiders compared today’s Christians to “The Titanic - a ship about to sink, but unaware of its fate” or “a hobby that diverts people’s attention” (Kinnaman 120). It is important Christians to not just stay secluded in one group (church group), but to be talking to others (outsiders) so we are aware of the problems and thing that are going on in the world around us. As Christians we are called to be disciples of Jesus by reaching out to those in need, praying for those around us, and calling people to become the church. In “Unchristian” David Kinnaman outlines three main things we as Christians should include in our lives: accepting responsibility, not being fearful, helping the desperate, being prepared, and keeping a balance.
The book of Psalms is one of the most useful books all throughout the Biblical text. It is not just a book of stories or law but personal praises, laments, and the deepest cries of the soul to the one true King: Yahweh. The Psalter is “the most reliable theological, pastoral, and liturgical resource given us in the biblical tradition” (pp. 1). These psalms pave a path for practical faith in the world today. Author, theologian, and teacher, Walter Brueggemann, goes into depth on the psalms of orientation, disorientation, and new orientation to discuss that through the unexpected high and low seasons of life one can turn to the Psalms for authentic conversation with God.
...ed. The psalmist said, “Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.” The psalmist remains caught between despair and hope.
Psalm 89 of the Book of Psalms, advocates the message of consequentialism, foreground by man’s relationship with God, with direct lin...
In the essay "Worldviews in Conflict," Charles Colson and Nancy Pearcey compare and contrast the ideas of Christianity and the views of today's society. Throughout the essay, they provide information about how the changes in society affect views regarding Christianity. Charles Colson and Nancy Pearcy's essay was written to contribute information so others could understand their views about the shifting cultural context and how it affects society's beliefs. The authors Charles Colson and Nancy Pearcey's essay is credible because they both have knowledge and experience regarding the topic and researched various parts of the topic using reliable sources. Along with this essay, Charles Colson has written thirty books which have received much praise among the Christian community.
The Bible shows God constantly pursuing His people and man rejecting him over and over again. This passage displays this ongoing struggle by showing all Jesus did for us and how the people still shunned and rejected him. However, this passage also gives reassurance that it is never too late to repent and accept the Lord. This passage displays some important themes of the Bible: man’s redemption, God’s forgiveness and grace, and the blessing of a relationship with God. This passage is essentially the message of the Bible in one small
In this week’s Christian worldview we looked at Philippian's chapters two and four. In chapter two we are looking at putting others needs and interest first and in chapter four we are looking at doing the right thing through God’s help. Paul explains the benefits of us living our lives with the mindset of Christs.
This psalm relates to a season of darkness when David's faith and courage were somewhat shaken by the power of his enemies. David received both illumination and the power of God, which naturally remove from the soul all fear and timidity. He offers the Lord thanks and he ...
As if the list of things to avoid was not long enough, the minister of our small congregation was always preaching about how unworthy of God’s love we were. It seemed his favorite...
Throughout the many, many years of our beautiful Church, we have seen many Saints that have suffered in the name of God and prevailed. Due to their great faith and love for God, they were victorious in their respective battles for who they suffered for; because of the many saints that we have and their sufferings, we can admire and imitate these saints. Three particular saints we can look up to are Saint Joseph, Saint Paul and Saint Abanoub with each saint suffering something different. Saint Joseph was given away by his own brothers. Saint Paul was beaten, and Saint Abanoub was whipped. In the Book of Psalms David, the Prophet writes a Psalm that perfectly represents all the saints that have suffered as it says “For the Lord God is a sun and
Sorry for going over Professor. I loved this Chapter and should probably have shortened it down. But I just believe this might be the most important lesson for all Christians. If you know this is God’s Words, how can you not fall in love with Psalm 119?
Stackhouse, John G. What Does It Mean to Be Saved?: Broadening Evangelical Horizons of Salvation.
It was through the atonement of Christ on the cross that earned us salvation. It