Book 3 (Psalms 73–89) We continue our journey through the psalms of “Book 3”. Following last month, we will pick two psalms that are not by David. These are from the sons of Korah. Korah led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron (see Numbers 16). His sons, however, did not die (see Numbers 26:9–11). The descendants of Korah served the Lord God faithfully. Do the sins of our parents (or grandparents) stop us from serving …
Psalms – Hymns and Prayers of God’s people Book 3 (Psalms 73–89) Introduction Christopher Ash gives a fine introduction to Book 3 of the Psalms: Book 3 consists of Psalms 73–89. It has the scent of the Babylonian exile; this is most evident in Psalms 74, 79, and (probably) 80. The tone changes sharply from the emphatically Davidic themes of books 1 and 2. This is not to say that every psalm in book 3 …
Book 2: Psalms 42 to 72 As we gather around God’s Word to study another psalm, we come to God in prayer: Our Father in Heaven, we come into your presence to feast upon a portion of your Word. As we gather, pour out your Holy Spirit, so that our conversations may be guided by you and your will. Be with our loved ones while we are here and please protect them from all physical …
Book 2: Psalms 42 to 72 As you begin this study let us pray: Gracious Father, we thank you for the psalms and for those who wrote them. We ask that as we continue to look at the psalms that you will open our spiritual and physical eyes and ears to hear your word and appreciate our conversations with each other as we discuss the psalms. In your dear Son’s name. Amen. I have several …
Psalms – Hymns and Prayers of God’s people Book 1: Psalms 3 to 41 We continue our journey through the psalms of “Book 1”. We will follow last month and just pick two psalms and look at them in more depth. I hope this encourages you to spend more time in the Psalms. Psalm 27 When I was young, I often had relatives (on my Mum’s side) ask me what my favourite psalm was. This …
Psalms – Hymns and Prayers of God’s people Book 1: Psalms 3 to 41 Introduction Last month we looked at the opening two Psalms, which provide an introduction to the whole collection. Christopher Ash argues that we should always keep Psalms 1 and 2 beside us as we read the other psalms: Psalms 1 and 2 have set before us a good rule and a good Ruler. The good rule is the Law of God …
Psalms – Hymns and Prayers of God’s people INTRODUCTION – Psalms 1 and 2 If a Bible with study notes, such as the NIV Study Bible or The Lutheran Study Bible is available, it will prove an invaluable tool during these studies. This month we will look at the Introductory Psalms, namely Psalms 1 and 2. Read Psalm 1 Note this Psalm has no heading and no author is given. It has also not been …
INTRODUCTION If a Bible with study notes such as the NIV Study Bible or The Lutheran Study Bible is available, it will prove an invaluable tool during these studies. In his popular (brief) commentary on the book of Psalms, Australian Lutheran theologian, the late Dr JTE (Erich) Renner wrote: “Of all the many books of the Old Testament, it can be safely asserted the Psalter has been the most treasured in the history of the …
How Great Thou Art! – The Wonder of Salvation What is Salvation? How would you briefly explain or describe Salvation to someone with whom you came into contact? Have a think about that and then write out an “Elevator Pitch” to share with people in the group. An elevator pitch is about 20–30 seconds long. Usually three or four sentences. See how you go. (about five minutes to do this) When you have finished, share …
How Great Thou Art! The Wonder of (God’s Love in His) Creation An opening prayer: Loving Father, bless this time of gathering around your Word. Thank you for the gift of the Word, your Word of life and love. Open our hearts and minds to the wonder of your love in your amazing creation. My God, how great Thou art! Amen. If you were to pick two Scripture verses that you think just about everybody …
Conversations: Jesus and … Mary and Martha with love (John 11:17–44) There are so many natural disasters that befall different parts of the world. Then there are road accidents or situations that maybe you have witnessed or unfortunately have been a part of. I hear stories from people who have been so close to being in an accident, but also sad stories of those who seem to be in the “wrong place at the wrong …
Conversations: Jesus and … Jairus (Matthew 9:18,19, 23–26; Mark 5:21–24, 35–43; Luke 8:40–42, 49–56) In 2011, St Peter’s Lutheran Church in Loxton staged an Easter play called “Anna’s Hope”, a Little Town Production. Some of you may have even been fortunate to see it! The play was based on the meeting of Jairus and Jesus leading to the healing of Jairus’ daughter whom the writer named Anna. It was exceptionally poignant and left one with …