Psalms: Psalms of Ascent

To the persecuted church of Rome, Paul says, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” Paul, appointed to be an Apostle by the will of God, trusts in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And this Gospel does not disappoint. Paul offers the doctrine of salvation to the Romans to build their confidence in the face of death. Because of this confidence, they can “present their bodies as sacrifices as a spiritual act of worship.”  To the persecuted church of Rome, Paul says, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” Paul, appointed to be an Apostle by the will of God, trusts in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And this Gospel does not disappoint. Paul offers the doctrine of salvation to the Romans to build their confidence in the face of death. Because of this confidence, they can “present their bodies as sacrifices as a spiritual act of worship.” 

When you’ve been transformed by God’s love, you can’t help but want others to experience the same grace and freedom. But how do you share it without scaring them away or offending them? For most Christians, “evangelism” is an intimidating word that suggests handing out tracts to strangers or doing other awkward things. But what if there was a more organic, more authentic way to share your faith with your friends, neighbors, and coworkers? Dave Ferguson shares five simple, straightforward practices that will allow any believer to do just that. And by consistently living them out, you can affect not just individual lives but your entire neighborhood and community—one person at a time. When you’ve been transformed by God’s love, you can’t help but want others to experience the same grace and freedom. But how do you share it without scaring them away or offending them? For most Christians, “evangelism” is an intimidating word that suggests handing out tracts to strangers or doing other awkward things. But what if there was a more organic, more authentic way to share your faith with your friends, neighbors, and coworkers? Dave Ferguson shares five simple, straightforward practices that will allow any believer to do just that. And by consistently living them out, you can affect not just individual lives but your entire neighborhood and community—one person at a time.

The Great Commission recasts God’s original mandate to “be fruitful and multiply.” We see God’s heart to reach and teach from start to finish. In today’s message, Lee shows us that everyone is a teacher, whether they’re intentionally teaching or not. We all have the great privilege to observe the teaching of Christ.  The Great Commission recasts God’s original mandate to “be fruitful and multiply.” We see God’s heart to reach and teach from start to finish. In today’s message, Lee shows us that everyone is a teacher, whether they’re intentionally teaching or not. We all have the great privilege to observe the teaching of Christ. 

Jesus commissioned us to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit. While some delay obedience, Jesus’ example of immediate obedience propels us to take this next step seriously. Today, we have the opportunity to immediately follow Jesus in baptism! Jesus commissioned us to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit. While some delay obedience, Jesus’ example of immediate obedience propels us to take this next step seriously. Today, we have the opportunity to immediately follow Jesus in baptism!

The Great Commission is great because it commands us to make disciples. God has entrusted us with responsibility of discipleship. Great disciples make disciples! Discipleship is an intentional process of following Jesus. What does it mean to be a disciple? How do we make them? Are you actively in the process of becoming more like Jesus?  The Great Commission is great because it commands us to make disciples. God has entrusted us with responsibility of discipleship. Great disciples make disciples! Discipleship is an intentional process of following Jesus. What does it mean to be a disciple? How do we make them? Are you actively in the process of becoming more like Jesus? 

God says “Go!” Punctuating his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus commands his disciples to “Go, make disciples of all nations.” His message then and now is clear. This is a command and commission to ALL Christians everywhere, everyday.  God says “Go!” Punctuating his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus commands his disciples to “Go, make disciples of all nations.” His message then and now is clear. This is a command and commission to ALL Christians everywhere, everyday. 

“Where do we find Jesus in the Psalms?” We might be surprised to learn that Jesus said that everything written about him in the Psalms must be fulfilled (Luke 24:44). The Psalms of Messiah, also called “Royal Psalms,” poetically and prophetically describe the person and work of Jesus Christ. Examples of Royal Psalms: 2, 18, 20, 21, 22, 45, 72, 89, 101, 110, 118, 144,  “Where do we find Jesus in the Psalms?” We might be surprised to learn that Jesus said that everything written about him in the Psalms must be fulfilled (Luke 24:44). The Psalms of Messiah, also called “Royal Psalms,” poetically and prophetically describe the person and work of Jesus Christ. Examples of Royal Psalms: 2, 18, 20, 21, 22, 45, 72, 89, 101, 110, 118, 144,

“How do I worship God?” While Psalms of thanksgiving tend to focus on what God has done, Psalms of Praise celebrate God’s character. The Psalmist has given us words to praise the name and majesty of God. Examples of Psalms of Praise: 33, 48, 68, 84, 92, 104, 105, 106, 148, 149, 150 “How do I worship God?” While Psalms of thanksgiving tend to focus on what God has done, Psalms of Praise celebrate God’s character. The Psalmist has given us words to praise the name and majesty of God. Examples of Psalms of Praise: 33, 48, 68, 84, 92, 104, 105, 106, 148, 149, 150

“How do I walk with God?” The Bible describes our journey with God as a pilgrimage. The Psalms of Ascent are ancient songs that travelers sang as they neared the physical place of worship. Today, we sing these songs as we spiritually journey upward toward God. Examples of Psalms of Ascent: 120-134. “How do I walk with God?” The Bible describes our journey with God as a pilgrimage. The Psalms of Ascent are ancient songs that travelers sang as they neared the physical place of worship. Today, we sing these songs as we spiritually journey upward toward God. Examples of Psalms of Ascent: 120-134.

“How do I experience the presence of God?” “How can express my thankfulness for all God has done?” Psalm 100 is an example of a Psalm of Thanksgiving. Through it we learn that thankfulness is the password to God’s presence. Biblical songs of thanksgiving give us a rich vocabulary of worship. Examples of Psalms of Thanksgiving: 30, 32, 34, 40, 75, 107, 116, 118.  “How do I experience the presence of God?” “How can express my thankfulness for all God has done?” Psalm 100 is an example of a Psalm of Thanksgiving. Through it we learn that thankfulness is the password to God’s presence. Biblical songs of thanksgiving give us a rich vocabulary of worship. Examples of Psalms of Thanksgiving: 30, 32, 34, 40, 75, 107, 116, 118.