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Psalm 2
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can also download our service at Baptist-Christian at iTunes. Last week we studied how God’s extravagant creation extends from the far reaches of the universe to the depths of a person’s heart. We saw what extravagant lengths to create a nation and covenants that are all designed for an eternal relationship with Him through His redemption in Jesus Christ. We also saw through the first part of the OT how God established a foundation, and how that foundation is the basis for
III. AN ENDURING AFFILIATION! An eternal God establishes eternal relationships! Those relationships are national as well as individual. Watch how Israel responded to the eternal, intimate relationship He established with them. In the book of Judges we see Israel as an unsettled nation without an earthly king. The book reveals the cycle of relationship as Israel sins, is punished, repents, is blessed, then starts the whole process over again. One of the major themes of the book is the Lordship of God among His people and the consequences of sin. In the book of Ruth we see a picture of the dedication and selfless love of God for His people. The book shows how God takes those who are desolate and raises them to a position of honor and dignity. In Ester we see a protected nation. God’s sovereign relationship to Israel protects her when Haman tries to destroy all Jews. The book is a living example of Prov. 21:30. I Samuel shows us a nation established. The people want a monarchy rather than theocracy. God shows them how complicated life under a human king is. In II Samuel we see the nation expanded. Under David’s leadership Israel enjoys her most magnificent time as a nation. David is represented as an ideal king (although he has his sin problems) whose love for God rules his life. I Kings reveals the decline of Israel. After Solomon, human sovereignty returns to Israel and the kingdom splits because the people forget the responsibilities of their affiliation with God. II Kings is an account of a nation deported. The book is not a socio-economic account, but a record of God’s sovereign direction over His people whose lifestyle is directly affected by their adherence to His covenant Laws. I, II Chronicles is the prophetic history of Israel repeated from a priestly viewpoint. A central theme of the books shows how God’s enduring affiliation with His people reaches to them even when they are in the depths of sin, and how He reclaims them for Himself. Ezra and Nehemiah concern a nation returned and rebuilt. It teaches us how God never abandons His people no matter how long they are in captivity. Then we see
IV. AN EXPRESSION OF ASPIRATION in the poetic books. Job shows us meditation centered around human suffering, especially that of the innocent. Psalms reveals the deep need of the human heart to commune with God. Proverbs, in Jesus’ words, teaches us to “do only what The Father tells us to do.” Eccl. shows us life’s aspirations are ultimately found only in God. Song of Solomon is an account of a deep, intimate love relationship with God. Finally, there is
V. AN EXPECTATION OF MESSIAH as found in the prophetic books that tell us Messiah will come and establish His kingdom to be forever with His people. Consider how much God has done to prove His interest in you. What have you done to prove your interest in Him.
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