We finish the Songs of Ascent this morning. The pilgrims end with praise as Jerusalem is reached. Surely this is what we should experience as Christians when we meet with Christ.
Psalms 132: The LORD Has Chosen Zion A Song of Ascents.
1 Remember, O LORD, in David's favour, all the hardships he endured,
2 how he swore to the LORD and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob,
3 "I will not enter my house or get into my bed,
4 I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids,
5 until I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob."
6 Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar.
7 "Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool!"
8 Arise, O LORD, and go to your resting place, you and the ark of your might.
9 Let your priests be clothed with righteousness, and let your saints shout for joy.
10 For the sake of your servant David, do not turn away the face of your anointed one.
11 The LORD swore to David a sure oath from which he will not turn back: "One of the sons of your body I will set on your throne.
12 If your sons keep my covenant and my testimonies that I shall teach them, their sons also forever shall sit on your throne."
13 For the LORD has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling place:
14 "This is my resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it.
15 I will abundantly bless her provisions; I will satisfy her poor with bread.
16 Her priests I will clothe with salvation, and her saints will shout for joy.
17 There I will make a horn to sprout for David; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed.
18 His enemies I will clothe with shame, but on him his crown will shine."
Psalms 133: When Brothers Dwell in Unity A Song of Ascents. Of David.
1 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!
2 It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!
3 It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.
Psalms 134: Come, Bless the LORD A Song of Ascents.
1 Come, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD, who stand by night in the house of the LORD!
2 Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the LORD!
3 May the LORD bless you from Zion, he who made heaven and earth!
Things to think about…
1. How important is the Lord’s glory and honour for you? Ps 132 says David gave up sleep to find a dwelling place for God. Do we consider our faith in Christ to be more important than the desire for earthly things? Remember Jesus says that you can’t live by bread alone. To the woman at the well Jesus said that He had living water which was of far more value than water from the well. The ancient name for Bethlehem in the south of Israel was Ephrathah, which means fruitful, Ps 132:6. He then says “Let us go to His dwelling place”, 132:7. This can be in private prayer or corporate worship at church. The folk in Bethlehem wanted to build a house for the Lord in David’s time. We know our Saviour, who would be born in this town and in fact builds a house for us, just as he said He would do for David. Jesus would also later state the same, John 2:19.
2. Do you see the prophecies of Christ in Ps 132:11 & 17, 18? We are Zion and are the priests that he has clothed with salvation, vs 16. Christ’s crown will shine, vs 18. We are told in the NT He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, Rev 19:16.
3. Ps 133 shows what a blessing and joy it is when the people of God are unified with joy, truth and grace. I thank God for the joy and peace we see at CBC – praise God! The oil represents the Holy Spirit which like the oil which runs down Aaron’s robe, runs down and through the people of God as the worship the Lord in unity and praise. I have been to the streams that are fed from the dew of the mountains of Herman in Israel. The water is abundant, fresh and clean. Jesus is our abundant Water of Life and He commands the blessing upon us, life eternal, vs 3.
4. Ps 134 reflects the final part of the journey of the pilgrims as they ascended to Zion (Jerusalem). They are finally at their final destination. As such, they worship together. This joy is ours as we reflect on the fact that we worship the creator of heaven and earth, Ps 134:3 Let’s carry out the exhortations in Ps 134 in our services as we worship the Lord as we meet together. May He bless us, the maker of heaven and earth.
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.
Sunday’s message – “True love – from the Apostle of love – 1John 4:7-21
a. What do you remember about the description of Agape love that John uses in this passage? What are its characteristics?
b. Propitiation is a big word that John uses here. Do you remember what it means? This has significant character implications. Are you a person who like Jesus takes away the heat?
c. We are to live a life of sacrifice? This is how Christ lived for us as a Servant Leader. Father Damien whom ministered to the Hawaiian leper colony lived liked this among the lepers. You were a spiritual leper. Christ saved you. How should we live and act among those who are outcasts to God and maybe others.
d. Pray for others, pray for character change and what ministry you are taking on this year.
Prayer Points
1. That our Kids@Church and Chuwar Youth group grow beyond anyone’s expectations.
2. Pray for Chuwar Youth and Jarrod for tonight.
3. New ministry leaders and coordinators.
4. How you can serve in ministry this year.
5. Pray for other building projects – café turf to be redone, roof, the repair of the house roof.
6. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Wonderful start to Sunday Kids Church and Chuwar Youth intros by Rosie and Jarrod. Thankyou guys!!
2. Leaders meeting was encouraging in many ways. Goals set within the ministries are encouraging. Please support our leaders.
3. More new folk on Sunday – Pray they stay. Get involved and make it happen.
4. New folk becoming members of CBC
5. Those who faithfully serve in ministries, Worship, Sound/Technical/Kids Church/ Cell Groups/Admin - Bulletins/Finances/Property/Welcoming/Spiritual Leadership/Cafe
6. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Chuwar Youth starting tonight – 6:30-8:30pm, 3rd Feb. Grades 7 to 12. Chat to the Youth Pastor Jarrod for more details 0478 845 123.
2. Quarterly Members meeting 26th Feb after the service.
3. Working Bee - be prepared, will happen soon. Please get involved. Prob early March
4. Sign up for a cell group or welcoming team.
5. Remember to check your duty rosters.
6. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
7. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for February...
Q. 5. Why ought you to glorify God? A. Because he made me and takes care of me.
Bible References – Rom.11:36; Rev.4:11; Dan.5:23.
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” Jer 33:3
