The First Two Chapters in Genesis

Sermon notes by Jim Jester

October 3, 2021

Scripture Reading: Psalm 8:1-6

Genesis

Genesis is a book of beginnings. Its title comes from the Greek word meaning “origins,” “birth,” or “existence.” We should note that if you drop the last letters “sis” you have the word “gene” or “genes” (if you drop “is”). Surely, everyone recognizes this word.

Genesis, the first book found in the Bible, is key to everything else contained in the Bible. All Christians regardless of their theological persuasion or personal beliefs should remember this principle. Not to understand this key book is to misunderstand the intent and meaning of the whole Bible.

The Book of Genesis is highly symbolic; therefore, the subject of creation should not be approached from a scientific perspective. We should not read these chapters as chronological, astronomical, geological, or biological statements, but as spiritual, moral, or racial concepts. The Book therefore, is the account of God’s Covenant Creation for it begins a new era with Adam’s insertion into a world of chaos.

PSALM 137

Jim Jester

August 8, 2021

Scripture Reading: Psalm 9:1-16

“Psalm 9 and 10 are really one Psalm. In several ancient manuscripts and versions, they appear as a single composition. The acrostic structure, though incomplete, points to the same fact. Here we have a mixture of literary types: hymn, thanksgiving, and lament, dealing with both national and domestic [individual] enemies.” – Layman’s Bible Commentary, p. 36

This Psalm, that we know as Psalms 9 & 10, goes quite well with Psalm 137, which we are also covering.

1. Thanksgiving (Ps. 9:1-4)

2. Hymn of Praise (Ps. 9:5-16)

3. Judgment upon the Nations (Ps. 9:17-20)

4. Lament (Ps. 10:1-4)

5. David’s Prayer (Ps. 10:12-18)

PSALM 106

by Jim Jester

July 4, 2021

Scripture Reading: Psalm 43:1-5

Psalm 43

The Scripture we read is actually a Part 2, or a continuation of Psalm 42, likely written by one of the sons of Korah (the Korahites accompanied David in his flight beyond the Jordan during Absalom’s rebellion). Psalm 43 is likely a supplementary stanza, added later by the same or a different author. The absence of a title for this psalm, and the recurrence of several phrases, especially the refrain, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God” (v. 5), puts this beyond doubt, as the verse is repeated 3 times. The separation is old since it is found in the LXX (Septuagint). Whoever wrote this psalm (both Psalms 42 & 43), has given immortal form to the longings of the soul after God. He has fixed forever and made melodious the sigh: “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God” (Ps. 42:1).

Psalm 90

by Jim Jester

May 16, 2021

Scripture Reading: Psalm 31:14-19

In this portion of Psalm 31, David confesses his faith in God, seeks deliverance from enemy persecution, and prays for the premature death of these enemies. “My times are in Thy hand,” means that God controls the events in his life and that He determines his future. David is trusting his God. “Let Thy face shine on thy servant” is an expression for a favorable response to his prayer; and is often found in Scripture. “Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes” (Ps. 119:135). David expresses his gratitude in verse 19, “Oh how great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast laid up for them that fear Thee.”

To “fear” God is not necessarily a fear as we usually use the term, e.g., the fear of a fire or the fear of falling from a height. No doubt, God is to be feared by evildoers, for “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb. 10:31). But, to fear God is to respect and reverence Him by living in a holy or pious manner. Some synonyms for “piety” are: religious, godliness, devoutness, spirituality, saintliness, and reverence. These things true Christians aspire to and live by as much as possible.

Psalm 80

by Jim Jester

April 11, 2021

Scripture Reading: Psalm 55:1-11

The historical event of Psalm 80 is uncertain; but again we have a national lament for the restoration of God’s people. Did you notice the repetition at the turning-points of the psalm, the refrain is repeated that God would “turn them again” and cause them to be saved, in verses 3, 7, 19. Note also the ascending climax of how God is addressed: God; God of Hosts; and, LORD, God of Hosts. So, when Scripture repeats itself, it is not always because of emphasis. It often has much more significance for us. And, we will see more examples as we proceed.

“Turn us again, O God” (v. 3). Three times this prayer is repeated, but with slight, though noticeable, difference. Here, it is addressed only to God. But the second time (v. 7), it calls on God as “God of hosts.” The eye of faith in the psalmist saw the ministers of God’s power around him, the hosts of the holy angels who waited to do God’s will. Then the third time (v. 19), it is the “Lord God of hosts” on whom the psalmist calls, making mention of the covenant name (Yahweh, Jehovah, LORD, G-sus) by which God was known in Israel as their personal, familial, racial, God. Thus, the argument for faith – if God be our God, then He will help us. Therefore, be instant in prayer. “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Eph. 6:18).

Psalm 77

by Jim Jester

Scripture Reading: Psalm 142:1-7

In our scripture reading, David was praying while in the cave of Adullam. First Samuel chapter 22:

1 “David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father’s house heard it, they went down thither to him. 2 And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men.” – I Sam. 22:1-2

God answered David’s prayer by sending him 400 (later 600, 1 Sam. 23:13) men to surround him. Notice how the common folk gathered around him, and the “discontented;” not a particularly savory group, but “deplorables.” It is the same today – most of the common working class of America have gathered around Trump who is now in exile in Florida (his “cave” in Mar-a-Lago). However, there must be times when Trump feels that “no man cared for my soul” (v. 4), when one by one those with political aims switched sides in betrayal and persecution. White America now faces discrimination and oppression from the Left.

“I cried unto the LORD with my voice…” (v. 1). Have you ever literally cried before the Lord Jesus Christ? Certainly, there are times when all of us have come before the throne of God in such a manner, for one reason or another. This is good, and this is normal, for God has made us emotional people.

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).

PSALM 44

Jim Jester

November 22, 2020

Scripture Reading: Psalm 5

“To the chief Musician upon Nehiloth [flute or wind instruments: perforated pipe], A Psalm of David.

1 Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.

2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. 3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

4 For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. 5 The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. 6 Thou shalt destroy them that speak lies: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.

7 But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple. 8 Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.

9 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue. 10 Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.

11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. 12 For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.” – Psalm 5

The personal prayer of King David (Ps. 5) and the national lament and prayer of Israel (Ps. 44).