Sermon Notes by Dr. Greg Sloop, Lead Pastor of the Kannapolis Church of God preached on Sunday morning, December 25th at 11:00 a.m. The Luke Account of Jesus’ birth, as was read during the Advent service, earlier, is the traditional account we know and love. Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem to be registered for … Continue reading Light Has Come (John 1:1-4, 14-18)
God’s Glory in Zion (Psalm 48)
1 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised In the city of our God, In His holy mountain. 2 Beautiful in elevation, The joy of the whole earth, Is Mount Zion on the sides of the north, The city of the great King. The Sons of Korah open this psalm with an ode … Continue reading God’s Glory in Zion (Psalm 48)
An Awesome God (Psalm 47)
The Sons of Korah offer up a psalm of praise to a Mighty God. The well-known first verse begins the psalm: "Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph!" The writer goes on to describe the Lord as awesome, great, powerful in many ways. He is a military … Continue reading An Awesome God (Psalm 47)
The Messiah and King (Psalm 45 – 46)
The Sons of Korah write about the great King, the Messiah. The writer speaks of the majesty and beauty of God. He is portrayed as a military conqueror, a righteous ruler, a gloriously dressed man, and an object of desire. Daughters are encouraged to seek after Him. This image of the King is indicative of … Continue reading The Messiah and King (Psalm 45 – 46)
Redemption Amidst Dishonor (Psalm 44)
The Sons of Korah reminisce about stories from their faith eras of the deeds God did in the days of old. He drove out nations, afflicted peoples, and planted Israel in their land. God did this by His power, and the people cannot claim credit. They then express their faith in God that they will … Continue reading Redemption Amidst Dishonor (Psalm 44)
Vindicate Me! (Psalm 43)
The unknown psalmist cries out to God in this song. He asks God for vindication against an ungodly nation and a deceitful and ungodly man. He acknowledges God as the source of his strength, wonders why He has not fixed things yet, and then asks the Lord to send out His light and truth to … Continue reading Vindicate Me! (Psalm 43)
As the Deer Pants (Psalm 42)
Some very well-known passages are in this psalm. This is the first psalm in the book of Psalms not attributed to David. It is the first psalm in what is called Book Two. This psalm is attributed to the Sons of Korah. Verse one begins: "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants … Continue reading As the Deer Pants (Psalm 42)
Whose Opinion Matters? (Psalm 41)
David proposes a line of thinking in this psalm that should encourage anyone in crisis. David says that the individual that considers others' needs will be delivered himself, preserved and kept alive. He will be blessed for his compassion, and be healed. He then speaks of the evil treatment he has received from his enemies, … Continue reading Whose Opinion Matters? (Psalm 41)
He Heard My Cry (Psalm 39 – 40)
David opens Psalm 39 with a series of requests to God. He asks for his days to be measured, and to know what his end will be. He ends the first section with "Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor." He goes on to describe life as a shadow, and points out … Continue reading He Heard My Cry (Psalm 39 – 40)
The Plight of the Wicked, The Blessing of the Righteous, and A Prayer for Deliverance (Psalm 37 – 38)
David assures the righteous that evildoers will not prosper. If they have success or financial gain, it will not last. "Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart." He further said, … Continue reading The Plight of the Wicked, The Blessing of the Righteous, and A Prayer for Deliverance (Psalm 37 – 38)