Sermon Outline The Struggle for Joy What is a Song of Ascent? A song sung by the pilgrim’s as they come to Jerusalem for the three annual feast and worship described in Lev 23. Historical background for Psalm 126 The psalms are full of references to joy (Ps 16:8-9, 19:8, 21:1, 31:7, 53:6, 67:4) Ezra-Nehemiah…
Why, O Lord? (Lessons in Suffering) Ps 22:1-5, Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4 J. Todd Billings, Rejoicing in Lament The Bible is full of people asking God Why? And How long? A Difficult Pregnancy ( 25:22) When the pursuit of freedom brings more suffering (Ex 5:22-23) When food & water are lacking? (Num 11:11-12, 20:4)…
Heartfelt Worship (Ps 138) Worship is not about Form but Heart (Dt 6:7, Jn 4:24) Worship is our response to God’s self-revealing Worship includes Confession (Ps 51), lament (Ps 44), praise (Exo 15), thanksgiving (Ps 138), and adoration (Ps 8). Dancing (2Sam 6:14), Fasting and silence (Mt 6:16-18, Ps 46:10) Heartfelt – as an adjective…