The Psalms hit the heart on so many issues. This week we read the Psalms which are called the ‘Songs of Ascent’.
Psalms 120: Deliver Me, O LORD A Song of Ascents.
1 In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me.
2 Deliver me, O LORD, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.
3 What shall be given to you, and what more shall be done to you, you deceitful tongue?
4 A warrior's sharp arrows, with glowing coals of the broom tree!
5 Woe to me, that I sojourn in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!
6 Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace.
7 I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war!
Psalms 121: My Help Comes from the LORD A Song of Ascents.
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand.
6 The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
8 The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.
Psalms 122: Let Us Go to the House of the LORD A Song of Ascents. Of David.
1 I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD!"
2 Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem!
3 Jerusalem---built as a city that is bound firmly together,
4 to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
5 There thrones for judgment were set, the thrones of the house of David.
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! "May they be secure who love you!
7 Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!"
8 For my brothers and companions' sake I will say, "Peace be within you!"
9 For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good.
Things to think about…
1. The Songs of Ascents were sung by pilgrims as they were travelling from all parts of Israel up to Jerusalem for the three major festivals – the most prominent, the Passover. You will notice that as we read from Psalm 120 to Psalm 134 that the mood of the Psalms change. These early Psalms from 120 speak of distress and division. The hope obviously ends with praise once Jerusalem is reached – possibly at a major feast like the Passover. We are ascending Mt Zion’s hill to our heavenly Jerusalem. May our joy increase as the years go by as we ascend towards heaven.
2. See the psalmist, possibly David, in Psalm 120 says woe to me, I dwell in Meshech and among the tents of Kedar. He is in the lowlands, he wants to be in Jerusalem, where there is rejoicing, peace and the presence of the Lord. We are on earth, in the lowlands. Often there is division with people here who ‘hate peace’. Here the psalmist, likely David, is dwelling among people who only long for war. But one day sin will be no more and there will be peace. In the meantime the challenge is to promote peace and truth. Let’s continue to promote the peace of Christ whenever we have the opportunity.
3. Look at the wonderful promises in Psalm 121! What stops us from believing them do you think? Why does the psalmist say, ‘the Lord is your shade on your right hand’. The right side was the one of blessing and strength. Remember goats on the left, sheep to the right. We are with Christ, we are His sheep, He is our shade – our protector and defender – we are ‘the blessed’ on the right side.
4. Ps 122 - Consider what brings the psalmist joy – in this case David. He was glad when they said “Let us go to the house of the Lord”. However we know that the temple was not built by David, but his son Solomon. So what house is David talking about in Psalm 122? The Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. Where the Lord’s presence is, that is where His house abides. Consider how Christ’s house is described in Revelation 21? This is our heavenly Jerusalem, pray for the ‘Peace of Jerusalem’, vs 6. Regardless of where you are now. You may be in the lowlands of despair or trial, but one day the heights of joy in Jerusalem will be your home. Keep your eyes there!
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 Friday night.
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 next Friday – 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 January...
Q. 4. How can you glorify God? A. By loving Him and doing what He commands.
