Historical Posts
Psalm 67 – Audio
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Psalm 67 is praise to God for:
- Who He is
- What He has done
- What He will do for all nations.
Writers of the New Testament also remind us of who He is, what He has done, and what He will do. They help us get a clearer picture of what the Psalmist wrote about.
1. God is merciful to us and will bless us (Psalm 67:1, 6-7).
a. Jesus told how the tax collector prayed, “God, be merciful to me a sinner (Luke 18:13)!” This was a prayer that could be offered by all of us, who need the mercies of God.
b. He has richly blessed us through Christ (Ephesians 1:3).
2. His way is known on earth; His salvation is available to everyone everywhere (Psalm 67:2).
a. Jesus is the Way (John 14:6).
b. Apollos was instructed in the way of the Lord, but only knew of the baptism of John at the time (Acts 18:24-25).
c. We come to God by a “new and living way (Hebrews 10:19-20).”
d. Salvation is only found in Christ (Acts 4:12).
e. The gospel is God’s power to save (Romans 1:16-17).
3. Everyone will praise God (Psalm 67:3, 5).
a. We have obtained mercy, and proclaim His praises (1 Peter 2:9).
b. We sing praises to God (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).
c. Everyone will submit to Christ to the glory of God (Philippians 2:9-11).
4. God will judge people righteously (Psalm 67:4).
a. The Lord is the righteous Judge (2 Timothy 4:8).
b. The Father has committed all judgment to His Son (John 5:22).
Psalm 67 is a very comforting Psalm.
God has blessed us and saved us through Christ, and that is why we sing His praises! Have you accepted the salvation He has provided in Jesus?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Psalm 37 – audio
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Text: Psalm 37
1 Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
3 Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
6 He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.
7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret – it only causes harm.
9 For evildoers shall be cut off;
But those who wait on the Lord,
They shall inherit the earth.
10 For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more;
Indeed, you will look carefully for his place,
But it shall be no more.
11 But the meek shall inherit the earth,
And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
12 The wicked plots against the just,
And gnashes at him with his teeth.
13 The Lord laughs at him,
For He sees that his day is coming.
14 The wicked have drawn the sword
And have bent their bow,
To cast down the poor and needy,
To slay those who are of upright conduct.
15 Their sword shall enter their own heart,
And their bows shall be broken.
16 A little that a righteous man has
Is better than the riches of many wicked.
17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken,
But the Lord upholds the righteous.
18 The Lord knows the days of the upright,
And their inheritance shall be forever.
19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time,
And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
20 But the wicked shall perish;
And the enemies of the Lord,
Like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish.
Into smoke they shall vanish away.
21 The wicked borrows and does not repay,
But the righteous shows mercy and gives.
22 For those blessed by Him shall inherit the earth,
But those cursed by Him shall be cut off.
23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord,
And He delights in his way.
24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down;
For the Lord upholds him with His hand.
25 I have been young, and now am old;
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
Nor his descendants begging bread.
26 He is ever merciful, and lends;
And his descendants are blessed.
27 Depart from evil, and do good;
And dwell forevermore.
28 For the Lord loves justice,
And does not forsake His saints;
They are preserved forever,
But the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off.
29 The righteous shall inherit the land,
And dwell in it forever.
30 The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom,
And his tongue talks of justice.
31 The law of his God is in his heart;
None of his steps shall slide.
32 The wicked watches the righteous,
And seeks to slay him.
33 The Lord will not leave him in his hand,
Nor condemn him when he is judged.
34 Wait on the Lord,
And keep His way,
And He shall exalt you to inherit the land;
When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.
35 I have seen the wicked in great power,
And spreading himself like a native green tree.
36 Yet he passed away, and behold, he was no more;
Indeed I sought him, but he could not be found.
37 Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright;
For the future of that man is peace.
38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together;
The future of the wicked shall be cut off.
39 But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;
He is their strength in the time of trouble.
40 And the Lord shall help them and deliver them;
He shall deliver them from the wicked,
And save them,
Because they trust in Him.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Psalm 61 – Does God Listen? audio
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Text: Psalm 61
Introduction
Do you ever wonder if God listens to you?
When you pray, do you feel that He hears your every word and that He really cares?
Perhaps David expresses these thoughts exactly in Psalm 61. He pleads for God to hear his prayer, and concludes by willing to keep his vows to Him.
Body
I. God can hear! Idols cannot hear (Revelation 9:20).
A. God can hear! Elijah proved this on Mt. Carmel when 450 prophets called out to Baal, and they could not be heard (1 Kings 18:26ff.).
II. God may choose not to hear.
A. The LORD will not listen to those who will not listen to Him (Zechariah 7:8-14).
B. God does not hear sinners (John 9:31).
III. God chooses who to hear:
A. He hears those who worship Him and do His will (John 9:31).
B. He hears those willing to learn His will (Acts 10).
C. He hears those who ask according to His will (1 John 5:14-15).
D. He hears those who keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight (1 John 3:22).
IV. God has heard:
A. Jesus, who always does His will (John 11:41-42).
B. Zacharias, who was willing to do God’s will (Luke 1:5-13).
C. The children of Israel, who were willing to turn from their own will and accept the will of God (Exodus 2:23-25; Acts 7:34).
D. Judah, who was willing to be restored to God (Zechariah 10:6; 13:9).
Conclusion
God is willing to hear you if you are willing to listen to Him and submit to His will.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Psalm 61 – audio
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Text: Psalm 61
1 To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. Of David. Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer;
2 from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I,
3 for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.
4 Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah
5 For you, O God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
6 Prolong the life of the king; may his years endure to all generations!
7 May he be enthroned forever before God; appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!
8 So will I ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Psalm 139:13-17 The Gift of Life – audio
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Text: Psalm 139:13-17 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.
Introduction
The body is a masterpiece of exquisite design. Beautifully “engineered,” it is governed by several hundred systems of control each interacting with and affecting the other. The brain has 10 billion nerve cells to record what it sees and hears. Our skin has more than 2 million tiny sweat glands about 3000 per square inch all part of the intricate system which keeps the body at an even temperature. A “pump” in our chest makes the blood travel 168 million miles a day equivalent of 6720 times around the world! The lining of the stomach contains 35 million glands secreting juices which aid the process of digestion.
These are but a few of the involved processes and chemical wonders which operate to sustain this wonderful and fearfully made life. A young student had been impressed with the fact that most new products have some “bugs” that must be ironed out before they can operate efficiently. As he stood gazing at a chart showing the organs, nerves, arteries, and glands in the human body, he suddenly exclaimed, “Just think, the first time God put it together, it worked!”
In honor of the unborn that have needlessly been murdered at the hands of abortionists, I would like to talk about the wonderful gift of life we have been given by God our Creator and the battle that ensues for that very life. Let’s give honor to God the Father who is the creator of all things, including each one of us!
As we look at the gift of life, I want to take the time to look at the whole panorama of our lives from the moment of conception in the womb till the time we return to the earth. I want us to see the battle that goes on between God and the devil for our lives from the moment we are conceived till the time we die. It is a battle for life!
Job 5:6-12 For affliction does not come from the dust, nor does trouble spring from the ground; yet man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward. “But as for me, I would seek God, and to God I would commit my cause; Who does great things, and unsearchable, marvelous things without number. He gives rain on the earth, and sends waters on the fields. He sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to safety. He frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot carry out their plans.
Body
I. God’s Involvement In The Creation Of Life.
1. We Are Fearfully And Wonderfully Made By Our Creator.
Psalms 139:13-17 For You have formed my inward parts; Yaiah ou have covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!
Isaiah 44:24 Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, and He who formed you from the womb: “I am the LORD, who makes all things, Who stretches out the heavens all alone, Who spreads abroad the earth by Myself…
As we see from these passages of scripture, even though life comes as a result of a man and a woman coming together in sexual unity, we are fearfully and wonderfully made by our Creator, God of the Universe. As a result we should praise and honor Him for the wonderful work He does in creating us. We should be eternally grateful.
2. The Beginning of Life in the Womb.
There has been much discussion and debate as to when life really begins, but David makes it clear that his life as well as ours began in the womb, because God is the God of the living.
Psalms 22:10 I was cast upon You from birth. From My mother’s womb You have been My God.
- The 20th Day after conception – In the watery world of the womb, the developing child is a complex, dynamic and rapidly growing individual. By the 20th day the foundations of the brain, spinal cord, and entire nervous system have been established. The heart begins to beat in irregular patterns by 21 days and in smooth rhythmic contractions a week later.
- The end of the first month – through the 8th week – By the end of the first month, the child will have grown ten thousand times his or her original size, and by birth the child’s weight will have increased six billion times. Lines in the hands and fingerprints begin to be etched by the 8th week, and these will remain a distinctive feature of the individual throughout his or her life.
- After eight weeks – After eight weeks, the child bears all the external features and internal organs of a full-term baby. From now until fully grown, generally around 25 years of age, the body will change mainly in terms of size and gradual refinements.
- The third month – In the third month, the child becomes very active. If the womb had windows we would see graceful and fluid motions as the child sleeps and wakes, makes fists, sucks his thumb, fans her toes, and seeks positions of comfort. During the remaining months in the womb, the child continues to develop activities, and even to learn, in preparation for the day of birth.
- The most dangerous stage – You would think that in this state of life the child would be relatively safe, but this is one of the most dangerous battles for life that this person will ever face. It’s ironic that in the child’s most innocent stage of life there is a fierce battle raging for the life of this tiny unborn infant.
Psalms 10:8 He sits in the lurking places of the villages; In the secret places he murders the innocent; His eyes are secretly fixed on the helpless.
Satan has been trying to destroy God’s creative beings since the beginning of time, when he first tried to destroy Adam & Eve, God’s first created beings His lust for blood and revenge has continued throughout the ages to the degree that he has been successful in the slaughtering of millions and millions of unborn babies, who are in the secret place of their mother’s womb fixed in a helpless condition against the forces of evil.
II. Abortion Is A Ploy Of Satan To Thwart God’s Plan.
Satan attacks and destroys God’s creative works with any weapon he can conceive. He has now been successful at using our own laws of the land as an effective weapon of destruction. He has infiltrated our society, feeding on the selfishness and greed of man to legalize his pattern of destruction and killing; convincing us that the killing of unborn children is a woman’s choice.
- Those of us who stand against this tide of violence and killing are considered politically incorrect. We have truly fallen prey to the times that God warned us about when “evil is called good and good is called evil.”
- What does God’s Word say about the killing of unborn children? Does a woman or a man have a right before God to make this critical choice concerning someone God has created?
Deuteronomy 32:39 Now see that I, even I, am He, and there is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; nor is there any who can deliver from My hand. - Only God has the right to bring the innocent home to Himself. Only God has the right to open or close wombs, but man has taken matters into his own hands. Mothers with their selfish excuses and doctors with their sharp instruments are playing God!
Exodus 23:7 Keep yourself far from a false matter; do not kill the innocent and righteous. For I will not justify the wicked.
Exodus 21:22-23 “If men fight, and hurt a woman with child, so that she gives birth prematurely, yet no lasting harm follows, he shall surely be punished accordingly as the woman’s husband imposes on him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. “But if any lasting harm follows, then you shall give life for life…” - If abortion happens unintentionally through unnecessary roughness it is wrong – how much more so when it happens willfully.
My shining feet will never run on early morning lawn;
my feet were crushed before they had a chance to greet the dawn.
My fingers now will never stretch to touch the winning tape;
my race was done before I learned the smallest steps to take.
My growing height will never be recorded on the wall;
my growth was stopped when I was still unseen, and very small.
My lips and tongue will never taste the good fruits of the earth;
for I myself was judged to be a fruit of little worth.
My eyes will never scan the sky for my high flying kite;
for when still blind, destroyed were they in the black womb of night.
I’ll never stand upon a hill Spring’s winds in my hair;
aborted winds of thought closed in on Motherhood’s despair.
I’ll never walk the shores of life or know the tides of time;
for I was coming but unloved, and that my only crime.
Nameless am I, a grain of sand, one of the countless dead;
but the deed that made me ashen grey floats on seas of red.
(Fay Clayton, Christian Crusade Weekly, Jan. 18, 1976)
- What should be the battle plan against the slaughter of unborn children?
Proverbs 24:11-12 Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, “Surely we did not know this,” does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? he who keeps your soul, does He not know it? and will He not render to each man according to his deeds? - We can take a stand for truth and speak with conviction what our convictions are to friends, letters to editors etc.
- We can pray fervently in this area, wrestling against the rulers of darkness and the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly realms.
- We can offer all the help and support we can to insure mothers to carry their child to full term.
- We can work with pro-life candidates, helping them to get elected into office. It’s a shame to live in a country that has legislated murder.
- We must continue to spread the life changing gospel – that’s when lives are really changed.
- Melody Green writes, “Abortion is not an issue that you can remain “neutral” on. You are either for it or against it. What would you do if you were walking down the street, and looking up, you saw a woman about to throw her three-month-old baby out the window? Would you turn and walk away saying, `Well, I wouldn’t do that, but I won’t interfere. It’s her decision – that baby’s probably messing up her life anyway.'”
III. The Battle For Life After Birth.
The battle for man’s soul begins in the womb and continues from birth; throughout his life. As soon as a person is born the sparks begin to fly.
But Satan will be there every step of the way to lead try and lead us in his destructive paths.
1. Satan Tried To Destroy Jesus After His Birth.
Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.
Satan shows his total disregard for life when he influenced Herod to have all the male children in Bethlehem and its districts, who were born around the time of Jesus to be put to death. He tried to destroy the giver of eternal life, the only one who has the power to save our souls from eternal corruption. Jesus came to give us life abundant, but Satan came to kill, destroy and steal.
John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
2. As parents, God sets you as guardians over your children.
You are to watch out and protect them, just as Joseph and Mary did for Jesus. They escaped from the hand of the enemy into Egypt.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Psalm 111:02 The Works of The Lord are Great – audio
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Text: Psalms 111:2
Introduction
1. Let’s begin by reading Psalms 111:1-10, noting in particular Psalms 111:2
The works of the Lord are great, Studied by all who have pleasure in them.
2. In the psalm, the works of the Lord are His works of redemption for Israel – Psalm 111:5-9
Body
I. HIS CREATION
A. THE WORKS OF THE LORD ARE GREAT
1. God created the heavens and the earth – Genesis 1:1
2. They declare the glory and handiwork of God, His power and deity – Psalm 19:1-2; Romans 1:20
B. HAVE YOU STUDIED THEM…?
1. Like David, contemplating their beauty and intelligent design? – Psalm 8:3-4
2. Viewing a starry night, an illustrious sunset, or even a single flower?
II. HIS WORD
A. THE WORKS OF THE LORD ARE GREAT
1. David praised the value of God’s Word – Psalm 19:7-11
2. Even more so now that we have the living-giving words of Jesus! – John 6:63
B. HAVE YOU STUDIED THEM?
1. Like the truly blessed man? – Psalm 1:1-3
2. Reading that which provides comfort, hope and guidance? – Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17
III. HIS SALVATION
A. THE WORKS OF THE LORD ARE GREAT
1. The salvation of mankind made possible by God’s love – John 1:29; 3:16; 1 John 4:9-10
2. Saved by grace – Titus 3:4-7
B. HAVE YOU STUDIED THEM?
1. With the aid of such passages like Romans 6? – Romans 6:3-7
2. Reflecting on the consequence of such truths? – Romans 8:31-39
IV. HIS CHURCH
A. THE WORKS OF THE LORD ARE GREAT
1. That church built by His Son, purchased with His own blood – Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28
2. Which is the kingdom of God, the bride of Christ, the temple of the Holy Spirit – Colossians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 11:2; 1 Corinthians 3:16
B. HAVE YOU STUDIED THEM?
1. With the aid of books like Acts, Ephesians, Colossians?
2. Learning of the origin, spread, nature of and work of the church?
3. Reveling in its simplicity in contrast to the denominationalism of today?
V. HIS PROMISES
A. THE WORKS OF THE LORD ARE GREAT
1. We can look forward to the resurrection of the dead – John 5:28-29; 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
2. We can look forward to new heavens and new earth – Revelation 21:1-4
3. We can look forward to the new Jerusalem, the city whose builder and maker is God! – Hebrews 11:10, 16; Revelation 21:2
B. HAVE YOU STUDIED THEM?
1. Pondering on how God will raise the dead? – 1 Corinthians 15:35-49
2. Looking forward to that new heavens and new earth? – 2 Peter 3:13-14
3. Reflecting on the great and precious promises? – 2 Peter 1:4
Conclusion
1. We have considered only a few of the great works of the Lord:
a. His creation
b. His Word
c. His salvation
d. His church
e. His promise
2. If you have not yet done so, study the great works of the Lord
a. Reflect on the beauty and design of God’s creation
b. Read and meditate on God’s revelation (His Word)
3. As you do so, obeying the latter, you will find great pleasure both now and in the hereafter..!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Psalm 100 Truly Thankful – audio
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Text: Psalm 100:1-5
Introduction
Perhaps we have become too accustomed to our blessings.
Perhaps we need to be reminded as we approach Thanksgiving Day that there are some things for which we need to be truly thankful.
Psalm 100 is a Psalm of praise and Thanksgiving.
(Read Psalm 100:1-5)
Body
I find seven things in Psalm 100:3 and Psalm 100:5 for which we as Christians should truly be thankful.
I. THE LORD IS GOD – Psalm 100:3
Why should we be thankful that the Lord is God?
It is He that answers prayer.
It is He that protects.
It is He that forgives and gives eternal life through His Son.
It is He that says “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.”
No matter what goes wrong in your life today, the Lord is God!
No matter who is in the White House, the Kremlin, or Buckingham Palace, the Lord is God!
No matter how you feel the Lord is God!
He is always in control.
He is sovereign.
Nothing gets by Him.
Nothing takes Him by surprise!
II. THE LORD IS CREATOR – Psalm 100:3
It is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves;
My life is full of obligations, but my biggest obligation is to God.
One of the reasons that I am obligated to give thanks to God is because He is the one who has given me life.
He is my creator.
I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my wonderful God who created me.
And the human body is a marvelous creation – Psalm 139:14
III. GOD IS OUR FATHER – Psalm 100:3
We are his people…
When this Psalm was written it was the children of Israel who could say We are his people…
Today God’s people are those who are His children:
Christian, your Heavenly Father loves you.
Christian, your Heavenly Father hears your prayers.
Christian, your Heavenly Father corrects you.
Christian, your Heavenly Father protects you.
Christian, your Heavenly Father is looking out for you.
Of course, this is another reason to be truly thankful!
IV. JESUS IS OUR SHEPHERD – Psalm 100:3
We are his people and the sheep of His pasture.
What is the job of a shepherd?
The job of the shepherd is to take care of the sheep.
That is exactly what Jesus, the Good Shepherd does – John 10:27-28
The best description of Jesus’ activity as the Good Shepherd is found in Psalm 23:1-5.
V. THE LORD IS GOOD – Psalm 100:5
The Lord is good.
· You have a home in Heaven. The Lord is good.
· You receive an answer to prayer. The Lord is good.
· You get a raise in pay. The Lord is good.
· A friend finds Christ as Savior. The Lord is good.
· You have a faithful and loving husband or wife. The Lord is good.
· You have great parents and/or kids and grandchildren. The Lord is good.
· You lose your job. The Lord is good.
· You are sick. The Lord is good.
· You lose a loved one. The Lord is good.
· Your spouse divorces you, your parents and children despise you. The Lord is good.
The Lord is good no matter what happens to you.
He does not stop being good.
He continues working all things together for good in our lives, even the bad things! – Romans 8:28
VI. THE LORD’S MERCY IS EVERLASTING – Psalm 100:5
When it comes to God’s mercy, His loving kindness, there is no limit.
God’s mercy or loving-kindness is at work in my life:
· When potential problems are solved God shows his loving-kindness.
· When He provides guidance God shows his loving-kindness.
· When He provides His peace God shows his loving-kindness.
It excites me to think that this loving-kindness to me is everlasting.
VII. THE LORD’S TRUTH ENDURES TO EVERY GENERATION
Sometimes we get concerned for our children and our grandchildren because of the increase in wickedness and danger in our society.
But God has given us His promise:
He will be faithful to the next generation of believers
As he has been to this generation
And to all the generations in the past
Conclusion
Psalm 100 has given us 7 reasons to be truly thankful:
1. THE LORD IS GOD – Psalm 100:3
2. THE LORD IS CREATOR – Psalm 100:3
3. GOD IS OUR FATHER – Psalm 100:3
4. JESUS IS OUR SHEPHERD – Psalm 100:3
5. THE LORD IS GOOD – Psalm 100:5
6. THE LORD’S MERCY IS EVERLASTING – Psalm 100:5
7. THE LORD’S TRUTH ENDURES TO EVERY GENERATION – Psalm 100:5
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Psalm 119:101 Self-Control – audio
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Text: Psalms 119:101
Introduction
1. Definition: Self-discipline; Temperance; To hold one’s self in
2. Galatians 5:22-23
3. Proverbs 25:28; 16:32
Body
1. Self-control is needed to keep God’s word – Psalms 119:101
A. Thinking – 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
B. Seeing – Job 31:1
C. Hearing – 2 Peter 2:7-8
D. Talking – 1 Peter 3:10
E. Behavior – 1 Corinthians 9:27
2. Biblical knowledge is needed to have self-control – Psalms 119:11
A. Thinking – Philippians 4:8
B. Seeing – Psalms 101:3
C. Hearing – James 1:22-25
D. Talking – Ephesians 4:29
E. Behavior – Romans 12:1-2
3. Notice how biblical knowledge precedes self-control – 2 Peter 1:5-6
Conclusion
Therefore, with more biblical knowledge is more self-control.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Psalm 021:01-07 Blessed – Part 3
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Three Part Series: Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3
Text: Psalm 21:1-7
Introduction
1. God wants His people to be happy.
2. As we have seen, the Psalms have much to say about happiness.
3. We have seen that we can be happy when our sins are forgiven / covered.
4. We have seen that we are blessed when we allow the Lord to teach us.
5. We have seen that we are blessed when we keep godly company.
6. Notice these passages:
a. Psalm 21:6-7. For You have made him most blessed forever; You have made him exceedingly glad with Your presence. For the king trusts in the Lord, And through the mercy of the Most High he shall not be moved.
b. Psalm 2:12. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.
c. Psalm 34:8. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
d. Psalm 84:5. Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, Whose heart is set on pilgrimage.
e. Psalm 84:12. O Lord of hosts, Blessed is the man who trusts in You!
7. We will be blessed / happy when we put our trust in God.
8. What does it mean to trust in the Lord?
9. In order to answer that question, let’s look to for examples of such trust.
Body
I. ABRAHAM TRUSTED GOD.
A. In leaving his homeland.
Hebrews 11:8-10. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
B. In having a child.
Genesis 15:5-6. Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.
C. In his willingness to sacrifice that child.
Genesis 22:7-8. But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together.
II. JOSHUA AND CALEB TRUSTED GOD.
A. The Spies (Except for Joshua and Caleb) felt there was no possible way to take the land.
Numbers 13:26-33. Now they departed and came back to Moses and Aaron and all the congregation of the children of Israel in the Wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh; they brought back word to them and to all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land. Then they told him, and said: “We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large; moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there. The Amalekites dwell in the land of the South; the Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the mountains; and the Canaanites dwell by the sea and along the banks of the Jordan.” Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” But the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.” And they gave the children of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, “The land through which we have gone as spies is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great stature. There we saw the giants (The descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.”
B. Their lack of trust in God infected others.
Numbers 14:1-5. So all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. And all the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we had died in this wilderness! Why has the Lord brought us to this land to fall by the sword, that our wives and children should become victims? Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?” So they said to one another, “Let us select a leader and return to Egypt.” Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.
C. Joshua and Caleb tried to persuade them to trust in God.
Numbers 14:6-9. But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes; and they spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying: “The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, ‘a land which flows with milk and honey.’ Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them.”
D. Another example of Caleb’s trust.
Joshua 14:10-13. And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever since the Lord spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old. As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in. Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the Lord said.” And Joshua blessed him, and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as an inheritance.
III. DAVID TRUSTED GOD.
A. A certain giant was defying God’s people.
1 Samuel 17:4-11. And a champion went out from the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. He had a bronze helmet on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail, and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze. And he had bronze armor on his legs and a bronze javelin between his shoulders. Now the staff of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and his iron spearhead weighed six hundred shekels; and a shield-bearer went before him. Then he stood and cried out to the armies of Israel, and said to them, “Why have you come out to line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and you the servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me. If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us.” And the Philistine said, “I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.” When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.
B. Only David trusted God enough to face Goliath.
1 Samuel 17:45-47. Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.”
IV. IN ALL OF THESE CASES:
A. God’s people were challenged.
1. There were faced with problems that seemed too big or too difficult to handle.
a) Abraham was told to sacrifice a son.
b) Israel was told to take a land that was occupied by a people stronger than they.
c) David had to face a giant.
2. There were naysayers.
a) In the case of Joshua and Caleb, Israel was going to stone them. Numbers 14:10. And all the congregation said to stone them with stones. Now the glory of the Lord appeared in the tabernacle of meeting before all the children of Israel.
b) In David’s case:
(1) The people were dismayed and afraid. 1 Samuel 7:11. When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.
(2) His brothers derided him. 1 Samuel 17:28. Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger was aroused against David, and he said, “Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.”
(3) Saul felt it was impossible. 1 Samuel 17:33. And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.”
(4) Goliath ridiculed him. 1 Samuel 17:43-44. So the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. And the Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!”
B. These people remembered God’s past faithfulness.
1. Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son because God had never failed him. Hebrews 11:17-19. By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,” concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.
2. Undoubtedly, Joshua and Caleb’s trust in God came from remembering God’s previous deliverance of the nation of Israel.
3. David’s confidence was based on previous experiences as well. 1 Samuel 17:34-37. But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God.” Moreover David said, “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!
C. They trusted in God to deliver them in their current distress.
1. Even though the odds were against them…
2. Even though worldly wisdom said there was no chance…
3. Even though everyone else thought they were crazy…
4. They trusted in God!
5. A side-note:
a) Why did David take five stones?
b) I believe the answer to this question is very important.
c) We are to trust God to deliver us and then we are to prepare to do our part.
d) For all David knew, God would let him miss a couple of times.
e) He did not tempt, or test, God by only taking one stone. Matthew 4:5-7. Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’”
f) He also had his staff just in case the stones did not work.
g) A lot of times, we trust God but we do not really know what His will is.
h) Therefore, like David, we have to prepare, do the best we can, and trust God to work it all out in the end.
V. WE ALL FACE CHALLENGES IN OUR WALK WITH GOD.
A. Do we trust in God? It’s on our money.
1. There will be naysayers.
2. We must remember God’s past faithfulness.
a) With us personally.
b) With others. Romans 15:4. For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
3. We must trust God to help us.
a) Matthew 6:31-34. “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
b) Matthew 7:7-11. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
B. Can God trust in us?
Conclusion
1. God wants you to be blessed.
2. We will be blessed by trusting in Him.
Delivered on: February 19, 2012. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Psalm 040:01-04 Blessed – Part 2 – audio
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Three Part Series: Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3
Text: Psalm 40:1-4
Introduction
1. As Christians, we live in the world be we are not to be OF the world.
2. We will associate with people who are not Christians.
a. Family.
b. Friends.
c. Co-workers.
d. Fellow students.
3. The Bible warns us over and over again about the company we choose to keep.
4. Continuing our study on what the Psalms tell us about how to live blessed lives; notice what they say about the company that we keep.
Body
I. A PLETHORA OF PASSAGES.
A. Psalm 1:1-2. Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.
B. Psalm 40:4. Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust, And does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
C. Proverbs 1:10-15. My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. If they say, “Come with us, Let us lie in wait to shed blood; Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, And whole, like those who go down to the Pit; We shall find all kinds of precious possessions, We shall fill our houses with spoil; Cast in your lot among us, Let us all have one purse” – My son, do not walk in the way with them, Keep your foot from their path;
D. Proverbs 4:14-15. Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on.
E. Proverbs 13:20. He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.
F. Proverbs 14:7. Go from the presence of a foolish man, When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.
G. Proverbs 16:29. A violent man entices his neighbor, And leads him in a way that is not good.
H. Proverbs 20:19. He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.
I. Proverbs 22:24-25. Make no friendship with an angry man, And with a furious man do not go, 25 Lest you learn his ways And set a snare for your soul.
J. Proverbs 23:6. Do not eat the bread of a miser, Nor desire his delicacies;
K. Proverbs 23:20. Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat;
L. Proverbs 24:1-2. Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them; 2 For their heart devises violence, And their lips talk of troublemaking.
M. Proverbs 28:7. Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son, But a companion of gluttons shames his father.
N. 1 Corinthians 15:33. Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”
II. WHAT TYPES OF PEOPLE ARE MENTIONED IN THESE PASSAGES?
A. Ungodly / Wicked / Evil.
1. One who does that which is wrong.
2. A guilty person.
3. One who is immoral.
B. Sinners.
1. An offender.
2. One accounted guilty.
3. Sinful.
C. Scornful.
1. A scoffer.
2. One who mocks.
D. Proud.
1. Insolent.
2. Showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect.
a) For God.
b) For the church.
c) For those in authority.
E. Those who turn aside to lies.
1. This is referring to those who turn aside to idolatry.
2. Romans 1:24-25. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
F. Foolish.
1. A dullard.
2. Simpleton.
3. Stupid fellow.
4. Arrogant one.
5. Biblically, a fool is one who does not hear and heed the word of God – Matthew 7:26
G. Violent.
1. Cruel.
2. Unjust.
3. Immoral.
H. Talebearers and Flatterers.
1. Talebearer – slanderer, informer.
2. Flatterer – one who flatters, deceives for personal gain.
I. Miser.
1. Disagreeable.
2. Unpleasant.
3. Malignant.
4. Bad.
J. Winebibbers and Gluttonous.
1. Winebibbers – drinkers of wine.
2. Gluttonous – vile, riotous eater.
III. IN REGARD TO THESE PEOPLE: HOW ARE WE TO INTERACT WITH THEM?
A. We are not to allow them to entice us.
1. They will try to get us to do that which we know is wrong.
2. We cannot allow them to cause us to sin against God.
B. We are not to enter their path or walk in their ways.
C. We are not to be companions with them.
1. To be a special friend.
2. To associate with someone.
D. We are not to associate with them.
1. To have fellowship with; to share.
2. Ephesians 5:11. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.
3. We are to “make no friendship with” them.
4. We are not to eat their bread.
5. We are not to mix with them.
E. We are not to envy them nor desire to be with them.
F. We are not suggesting that it is wrong to have friends who are not Christians.
1. All of us have family and friends who are not Christians.
2. What these passages are telling us is that we are not to be partners with them.
3. We are to show love and kindness to all – Galatians 6:10
4. But we are also to remain a separate people – 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
5. An important question: Given the opportunity to spend time with your brothers and sisters in Christ or to spend time with your worldly friends, whom do you choose?
6. Your answer to that question tells much about your spiritual maturity.
IV. WHY IS IT SUCH A BIG DEAL?
A. Why is God so concerned with whom we choose to spend our time?
B. Because God wants us to be happy and He knows us.
1. Psalm 106:34-35. They did not destroy the peoples, Concerning whom the Lord had commanded them, But they mingled with the Gentiles And learned their works;
2. He knows that if His people intermingle with the world, they will learn the works of the world.
3. 1 Corinthians 15:33. Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”
4. Do we really want to put ourselves in this situation?
a) Wanting to “fit in” with friends who care nothing about what God wants from us.
b) This will eventually lead to unhappiness and discontent on our part.
c) God wants us to be blessed – happy.
5. Like any good parent, God wants to protect us from those things which will harm us.
a) Even though we may not see the danger.
b) Are we going to trust His judgment in this matter.
C. Unfortunately, we often act like stubborn children.
1. Stubbornly insisting that we know best.
2. Insisting that we can “handle” any temptations placed before us.
V. OUR JOB AS PARENTS.
A. We have to remember these things as parents.
1. We are responsible for bringing our children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
2. We are to look out for their spiritual well-being.
3. Part of that is making sure that they are not associating too closely with people who will pull them away from Christ.
B. We should instill in them at a very young age that when they grow up, they need to marry a Christian.
1. When one chooses a spouse, he is choosing to attach himself to a certain person for the rest of his life.
2. Steve Higginbotham kept records for 21 years at a particular congregation regarding mixed marriages.
a) 76 youth married non-Christians and 57 of them ended up leaving the faith (75%).
b) 24 of the 76 who married non-Christians ended up divorced (32%).
c) 4 of the 76 were able to convert their spouse (5%).
d) 13 youth married Christians and only 3 left the faith (23%).
e) 3 of the 13 who married Christians have divorced (23%).
Conclusion.
1. God wants us to be happy.
2. Associating too closely with sinful, worldly people will only bring trouble and heartache.
3. Let us have the attitude of David – Psalm 84:10
Delivered on: February 12, 2012. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Psalm 001:01-03 Blessed – Part 1 – audio
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Three Part Series: Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3
Text: Psalm 1:1-3
Introduction
1. Happiness…
2. People are constantly in pursuit of it.
3. God desires us to be happy individuals as well.
4. As a matter of fact, He tells us how to accomplish it.
5. The word “blessed” means happy.
6. In the Hebrew, it comes from a word that literally means “to go, walk straight on; signifies to be happy.” In other words, the way in which we go (Live) shows what the end will be.
7. One can derive happiness from life by going the right way in this life.
8. Let us start a short series on what the book of Psalms tells us about how to live a blessed life.
I. BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE SINS ARE FORGIVEN.
Psalm 32:1-2. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit.
A. Do you realize the consequences of your iniquities?
1. They cause you to be separated from God – Isaiah 59:1-2
2. They cause you to be deserving of eternal separation from God – Romans 6:23
3. Unforgiven sin causes you to be an enemy of God – Matthew 12:30
4. Hebrews 10:28-31 – Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
B. Indeed, it ought to bring us great joy t4o know that our sins are forgiven and covered.
1. Forgiveness is described as our sins being covered.
a) In Old Testament times, when a debt was owed, it was carved into the face of a stone.
b) When the debt was paid in full, the engraving was filled in with wax.
c) Sin is a debt that we owe.
d) It is covered by the blood of Jesus.
2. Isaiah 1:18. “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, ” Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.
a) Here, sin is shown as a stain that is removed.
b) Hence, that stone of debt is not only filled in, it is scrubbed clean as if there never was a debt owed.
3. Isaiah 38:17. Indeed it was for my own peace That I had great bitterness; But You have lovingly delivered my soul from the pit of corruption, For You have cast all my sins behind Your back.
a) Sin is cast behind the back of God.
b) He throws that rock behind his back!
4. Isaiah 44:21-22. “Remember these, O Jacob, And Israel, for you are My servant; I have formed you, you are My servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me! I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, And like a cloud, your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.”
a) Sins are blotted out like a thick cloud.
b) A thick cloud arises between God and stone which He threw behind His back.
5. Micah 7:18-19. Who is a God like You, Pardoning iniquity And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us, And will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins Into the depths of the sea.
a) God casts our sins into the depths of the sea.
b) He throws that rock into the deepest part of the ocean; never to be seen again.
II. HOW DO WE ATTAIN THIS FORGIVENESS?? BLESSED ARE THE UNDEFILED IN THE WAY.
A. Psalm 119:1-2. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the Lord! 2 Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart!
1. Those who are undefiled are blessed. The passage goes on to tell us how to be undefiled.
2. The undefiled are those who walk in the law of the Lord.
3. The undefiled are those who keep God’s testimonies.
4. The undefiled are the ones who seek God with their whole heart.
5. We attain forgiveness by seeking God with our WHOLE heart.
a) With an open mind.
b) With a ready mind (Ready to obey).
c) With a hunger – Matthew 5:6
6. Once we seek Him, we must be willing to walk in His Law and keep His testimonies.
a) We must be obedient.
b) Belief alone is not (And never has been) enough.
B. We must allow ourselves to be instructed by God – Psalm 94:12
1. Let’s emphasize here that it is God’s instruction that will lead to our salvation and ultimate happiness.
2. 1 Thessalonians 2:13. For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.
3. Only two possible sources of spiritual authority – Matthew 21:23-25
4. Man’s doctrine will not profit us.
III. TAKING DELIGHT IN GOD’S LAW BRINGS HAPPINESS!
A. Psalm 1:1-2. Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.
1. Do you delight in the Law of God?
2. We delight in…
a) Watching sports…
b) Reading good books…
c) Gardening…
d) Exercising…
e) Reading the Bible???
B. Psalm 112:1. Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, Who delights greatly in His commandments.
1. Do you GREATLY delight in God’s law?
2. Whether or not you delight in God’s law depends largely on how you view it.
a) Do you simply view it as a rule book?
(1) Do this.
(2) Don’t do that.
(3) The Bible is a rule book, however, if this is the primary way you see the Bible, you are probably not going to take much pleasure in it.
b) A better way to view the Bible:
(1) A book in which I can see the very mind of my Creator.
(2) A book that reveals my Creator’s great love for me.
(3) A book in which I can learn how to better please my Creator and live in a right relationship with Him. Thus giving me great peace / happiness.
(4) A book that teaches me how to be a better:
(a) Neighbor.
(b) Friend.
(c) Spouse.
(d) Parent.
(e) Brother / Sister.
(5) A book that gives me hope.
(6) Viewing the Bible in these ways will help me to DELIGHT in it.
Delivered on: February 5, 2012. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Psalm 01:01-06 Are You Living the Blessed Life?
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Text: Psalm 1:1-6
Introduction
- Is your life as joyous and happy as you would like it to be? Does your life find real meaning & purpose to it? If not, it may be because, your not following the Biblical standard for the blessed life. To live the blessed life, you must be willing to love God more than the pleasures, riches, and fame this world can offer – Hebrews 11:24-26. If you think the Christian lifestyle is too boring and restrictive for you, you will miss out on living the blessed life.
- To live the blessed life you must get rid of self, and submit yourselves totally to God – Matthew 16:24-26. Instead of laying up treasures for yourself, your must lay up treasures in heaven – Matthew 6:19-21.
- The Bible is the pattern to live the blessed life. These are blessings that can only come by obeying God. In Psalm 1:1-6, God gives us instructions how to live the blessed life. Let us consider them.
We Must Avoid Certain Things to Have the Blessed Life – Psalm 1:1
- The Word of God teaches you must avoid & abstain yourself from things & people in order to live the blessed life. People that have impure thoughts, those that don’t respect authority, those that dress & behave themselves in a shameful manner must be avoided & any that will give you bad advise – Psalm 1:1; Proverbs 4:14-15.
- To live the blessed life, the Christian must shun & keep away from the bombardment of the devils destructive messages through magazines, music lyrics, radio, television, and internet. Don’t be deceived these mediums are teaching many the way of destruction – 1 Corinthians 15:33.
- The blessed life requires one to avoid the lifestyles of the worldly & ungodly persons (Abortion, co-habitation, homosexuality, bi-sexual). You cannot have the blessed life, if you engage and love worldly activities because they’re the contrary to Gods – James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17.
The Blessed Life Requires That You Delight in the Law of The Lord – Psalm 1:2
- To enjoy the blessed life, it is required that you love the Word of God. We should take the attitude of Job concerning the words that proceed from God – Job 23:12; Psalm 119:72; Psalm 119:127; Proverbs 23:23
- Studying the Word of God, and meditating on it day & night is necessary to enjoy the blessed life just as eating daily meals are necessary to sustain our physical life – Psalm 1:2; Psalm 119:11. It involves applying the principals, precepts, and commandments of God to your life which requires study & application of the Word in your life – 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
- Are you living the blessed life? If not, why not? God has made the way for you to get back home through the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Preached at Gahanna-Jefferson church of Christ 8-28-2008
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Psalm 100 Singing
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(Getting More Out of the Singing)
Text: Psalm 100:1-5
Introduction
1. An important part of our assemblies the act of singing praises
a. We spend nearly a third of our assemblies engaged in this activity
b. Rightly so, for it has the potential of reaping great spiritual benefits
2. Singing is an important element of our worship
a. It is mentioned in the text upon which our title is based – Psalm 100:2
b. There were those in Old Testament times who delighted in singing – Psalm 63:3-5
c. Christians were taught to respond to the goodness of God in a similar way – James 5:13
3. But I often wonder if some have lost the joy of singing
a. Many Christians sing with virtually no emotion, some do not sing at all!
b. I have personally known Christians, who
1) Complained because time available for classes was taken up by the singing of a few hymns
2) Will not attend a worship service if they know it will be devoted primarily to singing
c. In contrast, it was common in the past for people to travel some distance to attend a service devoted to praising God in song
4. Why do such conditions exist? I suspect it may be a failure to appreciate:
a. The true purpose of singing
b. How we can get more out of singing?
Body
I. THE PURPOSE OF SINGING
A. TO PRAISE THE LORD
1. This is the most common concept of the purpose of singing
a. Indeed, this is certainly the idea inherent in the word ‘hymn’
b. Which comes from the Greek word humnos, “a song in praise of”
2. Praising God should be a natural for Christians !
a. David reacted this way to the blessings God gave him – Psalm 28:6-7
b. Paul and Silas even reacted to persecution with singing praises – Acts 16:25
3. Singing is one of the spiritual sacrifices that we are to offer to God – Hebrews 13:15
a. As spiritual priests we offer up “spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God” – 1 Peter 2:5
b. If we are not careful, we might be guilty of offering defiled service to God as was the case in Malachi’s day! – cf. Malachi 1:7-8, 12-13
4. Is not God worthy of our best praise?
B. TO TEACH AND ADMONISH ONE ANOTHER
1. Our singing is not just directed toward God
a. Certainly, many songs are
b. But many songs are rightly directed to each other – cf. Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19
2. That’s because many songs are designed to teach one another
a. Teaching and admonishing us to live properly, to enjoy the blessings of the Christian life
b. It might even be said that ‘congregational singing’ is actually ‘congregational teaching’!
3. Do not our brethren deserve the best encouragement we can offer?
C. TO BE FILLED AND ENRICHED
1. Singing can be a means to being filled with the Spirit
a. Paul charged the Ephesians to be filled with the Spirit – Ephesians 5:18
b. He explained how: by singing and making melody in one’s heart to the Lord – Ephesians 5:19
2. Singing can be a means to being enriched by the Word of Christ
a. Paul charged the Colossians to let the Word of Christ dwell in them richly – Colossians 3:16a
b. Again he explains: by singing with grace in one’s heart to the Lord – Colossians 3:16b
3. For a truly Spirit-filled life enriched by the Word of Christ, singing is essential!
II. GETTING MORE OUT OF OUR SINGING
A. ENGAGE THE ‘MIND’ AS YOU SING
1. Remember, singing is teaching and admonishing one another
2. This assumes that we understand what we sing – cf. 1 Corinthians 14:15
3. We must be careful that our enjoyment of singing is not like how many people enjoy their popular music (i.e., liking the music without necessarily understanding the words)
4. Give careful attention to the words of the songs
B. ENGAGE THE ‘HEART’ AS YOU SING
1. When we sing, we must do so
a. “with grace in your hearts” – Colossians 3:16
b. “making melody in your heart” – Ephesians 5:19
2. This assumes that we involve our ‘heart strings’ (emotions) as we sing!
3. To sing without emotion (without grace in our hearts)
a. Is hypocritical, and condemned by Jesus! – Matthew 15:7-8
b. Will be evident in our countenances! – cf. Proverbs 15:13
4. Put your heart into your singing
C. EXPAND THE SPHERE OF YOUR SINGING
1. Is your singing limited just to the public assemblies, on the first day of the week?
2. Singing, like prayer, ought to be spontaneous, arising whenever the circumstances call for it – cf. Acts 16:25; Psalm 34:1-3
3. Sing while you work, travel, or while alone in your private meditations
4. Make use of hymns on tapes or CDs when traveling or meditating
5. Take advantage of special opportunities to sing, such as monthly and annual singings
6. Increase your opportunities to sing at other times with others, and when alone
D. UTILIZE OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN TO SING
1. Singing is more enjoyable when we are able to read musical notes, sing different parts
2. Churches often provide singing classes; every opportunity to sing is an opportunity to learn
3. Take advantage of any opportunity to learn how to sing
Conclusion
1. Singing is like any other activity…the more you put into it, the more you get out of it
2. Increase your joy of singing, and you will get much more out of your worship times.
3. Have we lost the joy of singing…?
a. If we could see ourselves as song leaders do, we might be constrained to say yes
b. If so, rekindle this act of worship which can do so much toward “Serving The Lord With Gladness”
4. May David’s attitude, truly describe our own when it comes to singing:
“I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.” – Psalm 104:33
“Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.” – Psalm 147:1
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Psalm 051:01-19 Confessing Our Sins
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(The Art of Confessing our Sins)
Text: Psalms 51:1-19
Introduction
1. Do you remember the joy and the relief you experienced when you were baptized?
a. Knowing that your sins had been washed away by the blood of Christ?
b. Knowing that you then stood before God holy and without blame?
— Wouldn’t it be great to experience that same joy and relief, time and again?
2. There is no reason why you cannot!
a. Even though you may have sinned terribly after your baptism
b. For God has made provision whereby we can enjoy the continual cleansing of the blood of Christ!
3. Not by being baptized again and again…
a. But by confessing our sins to God – cf. 1 John 1:9
b. For God who is faithful and just has promised to forgive our sins!
— Just as we were raised from the grave of baptism cleansed by the blood of Jesus, so we can rise from our prayers knowing that we have been cleansed from all unrighteousness!
4. The key is to confess our sins…
a. But how does one do that effectively?
b. Are there some things to keep in mind as we confess our sins?
5. In Psalms 51, we have what David wrote after he was guilty of adultery with Bathsheba…
a. He provides an example of how one should confess their sins to God
b. He provides what I like to call “The Art Of Confessing Our Sins”
[How should one go about confessing their sins to God? From the example of David, a good place to begin is…]
Body
I. APPEAL TO GOD’S MERCY AND LOVE (Psalms 51:1-2)
A. NOTE THE BASIS OF DAVID’S PLEA FOR FORGIVENESS…
1. “according to Your lovingkindness”
2. “according to the multitude of Your tender mercies”
— David sought forgiveness based upon God’s lovingkindness and tender mercies
B. THE PARDON WE SEEK SHOULD HAVE AS ITS BASIS…
1. Not in the merit or worthiness of man
2. But in the goodness and grace of God!
C. AS WE SEEK “WASHING” AND “CLEANSING” FROM OUR SINS…
1. Don’t base our appeal on our past accomplishments
a. E.g., how much we have done for the Lord
b. E.g., how long we have been a member of His church
2. But upon the goodness and mercy of God!
a. Appeal to His mercy and grace!
b. Knowing that He is slow to anger and abounding in mercy! – cf. Psalm 103:8-10
— Remember the parable of the Pharisee and the publican! – Luke 18:9-14
[As we seek forgiveness, we must of course…]
II. ACKNOWLEDGE OUR SINS TO GOD (Psalms 51:3-4)
A. NOTE HOW DAVID ACKNOWLEDGED HIS SIN…
1. He did not try to hide it: “my sin is ever before me”
2. He admitted that it was a sin against God Himself: “Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in your sight”
a. While it is true he had sinned against Bathsheba, Uriah, his own wife…
b. …David knew that it was ultimately against God Himself!
3. He accepted the condemnation of God against him
a. That God was both “just” and blameless” in judging him
b. As God did when He sent Nathan to condemn him
B. AS WE CONFESS OUR SINS…
1. Appreciate that this is key to receiving God’s grace – cf. 1 John 1:9
2. Acknowledge the sin; while we may at times simply confess tobe sinners, it never hurts to actually mention the sin for which we seek forgiveness
3. Understand that all sin is ultimately a sin against God Himself!
4. Don’t fault God (His Word or His messengers) when we are exposed and condemned for our sins!
— As we confess our sins, there is more that we should bear in mind. From David we learn that we should also…
III. UNDERSTAND WHERE WE ARE AND WHERE GOD WANTS US (Psalms 51:5-6)
A. UNTIL FORGIVEN, ONE IS DEEP IN SIN…
1. Using hyperbole so common in poetic language, David describes the depravity in which he finds himself
2. He is not trying to escape responsibility by saying he was born that way; only that he knows he is utterly sinful
B. BUT GOD DESIRES MUCH MORE…
1. David knew that God wanted:
a. “truth in the inward parts”
b. “wisdom in the hidden parts”
— Again, figurative hyperbole illustrating that truth and wisdom are to be as pervasive as sin had been!
2. David knew that God desired to provide more than just forgiveness, He also desires:
a. Total restoration, with understanding and wisdom on our part
b. That we be equipped for faithful service
[Understanding what God wants of us helps us to appreciate what David goes on to say. Indeed, confession of sins should also mean that we…]
IV. PRAY FOR RENEWAL AND RESTORATION (Psalms 51:7-12)
A. DAVID DESIRED MORE THAN JUST FORGIVENESS OF SIN…
1. He does pray for forgiveness, using figurative language in asking God…
a. To purge him with hyssop – Psalm 51:7
b. To wash him whiter than snow – Psalm 51:7
c. To hide His face from his sins – Psalm 51:9
d. To blot out all his iniquities – Psalm 51:9
2. But he also sought for more; he desired…
a. Joy and gladness – Psalm 51:8
b. A new heart, and renewal of a steadfast spirit – Psalm 51:10
c. Continuation of God’s presence and Spirit – Psalm 51:11
— As summarized in verse 12: “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your generous Spirit.”
B. AS WE CONFESS OUR SINS…
1. We should look to God for more than just forgiveness!
2. We should also ask for:
a. A complete renewal and total restoration!
b. A return to “the joy of salvation” (that joy experienced when we first obeyed the gospel!) – Acts 8:35-39
[As we consider further David’s confession of sin, we find it proper to…]
V. RESOLVE TO OFFER GRATEFUL SERVICE (Psalms 51:13-17)
A. DAVID RESOLVES…
1. To teach other sinners and transgressors – Psalm 51:13
2. To praise God for His righteousness in delivering him from sin – Psalm 51:14-15
a. Knowing that God delights in something more than animal sacrifices – Psalm 51:16
b. A broken spirit and contrite heart is what really pleases God – Psalm 51:17; cf. Isaiah 66:1-2; 57:15
B. SUCH RESOLUTION IS IN KEEPING WITH TRUE REPENTANCE…
1. For God desires more than just forgiveness, but total restoration – cf. Psalm 51:6
2. And zealous service is indicative of true repentance, as taught in 2 Corinthians 7:10-11
C. AS WE CONFESS OUR SINS…
1. We should look beyond obtaining forgiveness for past sin
2. We should look beyond obtaining present joy and gladness of heart
— We should be making commitments regarding future service!
[Finally, as we come to the end of David’s psalm, we find that “The Art Of Confessing Our Sins” includes that we…]
VI. PRAY FOR GOD’S PURPOSES (Psalms 51:18-19)
A. DAVID OFFERED A PRAYER REGARDING GOD’S PURPOSES…
1. That God would fulfill His purpose for Zion – Psalm 51:18
2. That God would be pleased with Israel’s sacrifices – Psalm 51:19
— Thus his confession of sin ends with a desire for that which pleases God
B. AS WE CONFESS OUR SINS…
1. We should not be selfish, praying for only our needs
2. What about God’s desires? His purposes?
— As Jesus taught us in “The Lord’s Prayer”, it is important to pray for God’s will as well as our own (cf. “Thy Will be done on earth, as it is in heaven”)
Conclusion
1. I hope I have not made the practice of confessing sins sound complicated…
a. Certainly there are occasions where a simple “I have sinned…” may suffice
b. As illustrated in the prayer of the tax collector – Luke 18:13-14
2. Yet if we desire to be less self-centered in confessing our sins, we can follow David’s example:
a. Appeal to God’s mercy and lovingkindness
b. Acknowledge our sins to God
c. Understand where we are and where God wants us
d. Pray for renewal and restoration
e. Resolve to offer grateful service
f. Pray for God’s purposes
3. By praying as David did, we are to sure to experience two things:
a. Forgiveness itself
b. The joy of forgiveness
— As David expressed in Psalm 32:1-5, written after receiving forgiveness for his sins
4. The Christian who confesses his sins is the truly happy individual (“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven…”), for they have the assurance of salvation (cf. 1 John 1:9).
5. Have you confessed your sins to God today?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Psalm 104:01-07 O Worship The King – audio
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“O Worship the King” draws upon the splendor of 19th-century monarchy as a metaphor for the magnificence of the Almighty. Attributes of an earthly monarch are magnified to communicate the characteristics of the King of kings. One who by nature cannot be described.
The hymn is based primarily on the rich imagery of Psalm 104:1-7:
“Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, You are very great:
You are clothed with honor and majesty, Who cover Yourself with light as with a garment, Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain.
He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, Who makes the clouds His chariot, Who walks on the wings of the wind, Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire.
You who laid the foundations of the earth, So that it should not be moved forever, You covered it with the deep as with a garment;
The waters stood above the mountains. At Your rebuke they fled; At the voice of Your thunder they hastened away.”
The author deftly combines additional biblical images with the splendor of a ruling monarch to paint an image of God as King in earthly terms.
Stanza One
The monarch’s role of protector of the realm is captured in “Our Shield and Defender.” Psalm 84:9 is one of many passages referring to God as our Shield: “Behold, O God our Shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed.”
“The Ancient of Days” parallels the lineage of an earthly monarch, the family line that leads to the throne. References to God as “Ancient of Days” are found in Daniel 7:9, 13 and 22:
“As I watched, thrones were set in place, and an Ancient One took his throne, his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames, and its wheels were burning fire” (Daniel 7:9).
Stanza Two
This identifies this monarch as the sovereign of all created order, “whose canopy [is] space” and whose “chariots of wrath” form “deep thunderclouds.” Following the narrative of Psalm 104:8-32.
Stanzas Three and Four
These detail God’s earthly handiwork in the natural world.
The Fifth Stanza
This last stanza turns to humanity as a part of creation: “Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail. . . .”
In antithesis to the majesty and all-powerful nature of the Almighty described in earlier stanzas, we find a monarch that manifests “mercies how tender, how firm to the end…”
Unlike earthly kings, the unique nature of this ruler is captured in the final line of the hymn: “Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend.”
Hence, this hymn captures in 19th-century terms the fuller nature of God’s relationship to humanity.
Composer Sir Robert Grant (1779-1838) was born and died in India
India by this time had long played a major role in the British Empire.
He was a public servant distinguishing himself in law, serving as a Member of Parliament, judge advocate general and governor of Bombay (now Mumbai).
Despite his Scottish roots, Grant was Anglican, not Presbyterian. His father Charles was a leader in the evangelical wing of the Church of England and also played an active civic role with William Wilberforce in the emancipation of African slaves in the British Empire.
Robert was born in India when his father went there to negotiate an end to barriers set up against missions by the British East India Company.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Psalm 127:01 The Lord’s House – powerpoint
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Text: Psalm 127:1
Psalm-127-01-01-The-Lords-House PDF
Psalm-127-01-01-The-Lords-House PPTX
Content by Richard Dillon
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Psalm 042:01-11 Hope in God – audio
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Text: Psalm 42:1-11
Just listen…
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Psalm 092:12-15 They Shall Still Bear Fruit in Old Age
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Text: Psalm 92:12-15
Introduction
1. A goal for many people in life is a happy retirement
a. They spend years saving and planning for the time in which they retire
b. They look forward to the free time to do what interests them
2. But is the concept of retirement applicable to the kingdom of God?
a. We may rightly retire from secular jobs, what about our service in the church?
b. Granted, physical infirmities may sometimes be a hindrance, but is such a valid reason for retiring from the work of the church?
3. We find a description of the righteous in Psalm 92:12-15
a. In which they are described as palm trees and cedar trees
b. Flourishing in the house and courts of God
c. Note in particular verse 14: They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing
Body
I. GOD’S USE OF OLDER PEOPLE IN THE BIBLE
A. MOSES AND AARON
1. They were chosen to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage
2. At the ages of 80 and 83 – Exodus 7:7
3. When they were already past the normal life span – Psalm 90:10
B. JOSHUA AND CALEB
1. Joshua was given the charge of leading the conquest of Canaan, during the last thirty years of his life (he lived until he was 110 – Josh 24:29
2. Caleb was also very much involved in the conquest, and he was in his eighties – Josh 14:6-11
C. DANIEL
1. He served God from the days of his youth, for over 70 years! – Daniel 1:21
2. He was well over eighty when he:
a. Served as one of three governors over the kingdom of Babylon – Daniel 6:1-3
b. Was thrown into the lions’ den – Daniel 6:4-27
c. Prospered in the reigns of Darius and Cyrus the Persian – Daniel 6:28
d. Received a series of visions – Daniel 8-12
D. ZACHARIAS AND ELIZABETH
1. These were the parents of John the Baptist
2. They were both well advanced in years – Luke 1:7
3. Yet he was serving in the temple, and she gave birth to John!
E. SIMEON AND ANNA
1. Two elderly people who bore witness to the Christ child when presented to the temple to be circumcised – Luke 2:25-38
2. Anna herself was at least 84, and had been serving God with fastings and prayers night and day
F. PAUL, THE AGED
1. As he refers to himself in Philemon 9
2. Yet we know at this time in his life, he was:
a. Busy writing letters (Eph, Col, Phi, Phe), even while in prison
b. Traveling, visiting, encouraging churches, when he was released from prison
II. GOD’S USE OF OLDER PEOPLE IN THE CHURCH TODAY
A. THERE IS ALWAYS A NEED FOR ELDERS
1. Did God not design the local church to be overseen by elders? – Acts 14:23
a. Men who were older, capable of teaching and leading the flock?
b. Men who were to serve as overseers and examples of God’s flock? – 1 Peter 5:1-4
2. Yet many male members seem to retire from active service in the church about the same time they retire from secular work!
a. Around age 65, which is rather young compared to the examples we saw!
b. Just when they might be useful to the Lord, they are retiring!
c. If unqualified to serve, why not spend a few years growing and developing the necessary qualifications (if possible), and then serve?
d. Many young men who want to preach prepare themselves in just a couple of years, why can’t older men do the same?
B. THERE IS ALWAYS A NEED FOR OLDER WOMEN
1. Who will do what Paul commanded in Titus 2:3-5?
2. To be teachers of good things, especially to teach the younger women how to love their husbands, love their children, be good wives and homemakers
3. Sadly, many women stop teaching when they reach the age they are commanded to teach!
a. Don’t feel qualified to teach? Then prepare yourself!
b. Commit yourselves to study and learning God’s word, and in a short time you will be more than prepared!
C. THERE IS ALWAYS A NEED FOR SERVICE THE ELDERLY CAN PROVIDE
1. Some examples:
a. Hospitality and benevolence – many elderly are financially secure, able to do what many younger families cannot
b. Edification and evangelism – with so much time on their hands, why not use it to study with others?
2. Even the most infirm can do things like:
a. Send cards, make phone calls
b. Spend time in prayer and fasting – Luke 2:37; 1 Timothy 5:5
c. I heard of one invalid who spent her time praying for the sick, for those involved in teaching others, etc.
3. From our text we see what else the elderly can and should do:
a. To declare that the Lord is upright; Hebrews is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him – Psalm 92:15
b. To proclaim God’s strength to the next generation – Psalm 71:17-18
c. To recount God’s mighty works to the next generation – Psalm 78:1-8
Conclusion
1. God can certainly use people of all ages
a. Who are willing to prepare themselves to be of service to Him
b. Who are willing to present themselves in service to Him
2. We may retire from secular jobs, but not from our service to the Lord!
a. Certainly physical infirmities may limit what we can do
b. But only death can stop us from doing what we can!
3. Is the problem really one of physical infirmities, or spiritual laziness?
a. We can’t stop the aging process
b. But we can be renewed inwardly daily! – 2 Corinthians 4:16
4. Our problem may be related to our youth-oriented culture
a. Where the wisdom and experience of the elderly is not respected
b. Where our society is too quick to put the elderly out to pasture
5. Other cultures reflect the scriptural norm
a. Where the elderly are revered, their wisdom and experience appreciated
b. Where the elderly continue in roles of influence and leadership, even to death
6. I believe the righteous can and should still bear fruit in old age. I hope that this lesson will encourage others to re-examine their usefulness to the Lord and His church.
7. Let the attitude of Paul, the aged be your attitude as well:
Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. – Philippians 3:12-15
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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