2021 Sermons

PSALM 60

by Pastor Jim Jester

January 10, 2021

Scripture Reading: Psalm 25:8-22

Psalm 25 David’s Lament

Our Scripture reading (Ps. 25:8-22), begins with the statement, “He will teach sinners in the way.” In this, King David is acknowledging his past and his many sins, and perhaps even present shortcomings and/or sins; but David’s heart is not as a rebellious type of “sinner”, but as a sinner who is humble enough to be taught by the Spirit of God. Thus, the next verse confirms this by saying, “The meek [humble] will He guide in judgment: and the meek will He teach His way” (v. 9). As people, we have not always been perfect, but we are learning; and we are humble enough to keep on learning of God’s perfect ways for us. These verses are not speaking of habitually sinful or rebellious people who reject God’s ways, or His forgiveness. God’s faithfulness and Covenant love are available for those who take seriously their Covenant relationship as expressed in the Law: “All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as [those who] keep His covenant and His testimonies” (v. 10).

Copied from the sermon notes of Pastor Don Elmore

January 3, 2021

Scripture Reading: Acts 26:6, 7

6) “And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:

7) Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope’s sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.

The apostle Paul makes his defensive argument in the court in which he states that he is “judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers.” What promise was that? What promise was “made of God unto our fathers?” And if the promise was made unto our fathers, that would make it a racial promise because it is made with a family!

It is this racial promise that the Apostle Paul is said to be “accused of [by] the Jews.” It is this racial promise that “our twelve tribes” hope to take part in.