Scripture Reference: Psalm 8

Though our culture looks inward to our feelings or our accomplishments to search for an identity, David sings to a majestic Lord and discovers his purpose and significance in light of Him. Psalm 8 poetically reveals what the rest of Scripture teaches, that we will only find our purpose and identity as we look outside ourselves to the Lord and how He made us and redeems us.

Sermon Points:

• The Significance of the Lord (vv. 1-2)
• The Significance of Man (vv. 3-8)
• The Significant Response (v. 9)

Scripture Reference: Psalm 3
David is afraid as his son Absalom has enacted a coup and is trying to hunt him down. As David prays, we see how he seeks the help of others and trusts the Lord, and thereby gives us a roadmap for our fears.

Sermon Points:

• Fear Defined (vv. 1-2)
• Fear That Leads to Wisdom (vv. 3-8)

Scripture Reference: Psalm 2

Psalm 1 and 2 have been called the opening pillars of entrance into the world of the Psalms . Psalm 2 is a overarching look at the central problem and solution of humanity. If we are going to dig deeply to understand our own lives before God, we must come face to face with both the gracious, sovereign, and just reign of King Jesus and our ultimately futile resistance to Him.

Sermon Points:

• The Rebellion (vv. 1-3)
• The King (vv. 4-9)
• The Invitation (vv. 10-12)

Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:11, Leviticus 23:37-43, Matthew 6:16-18
The New Year typically brings renewed goals!  The Scriptures give us numerous practices that help form us individually and communally into the likeness of Jesus.  What would it look like for our practices around food this year to point us to what God is doing and shape us into the likeness of Jesus.  Scripture points us to the practices of feasting and fasting.

Sermon Points:

• Consider Food (Matt. 6:11)
• Consider Feasting (Lev. 23:37-43, John 2:1-10, Rev. 19:9)
• Consider Fasting (Matt. 6:16-18)
• Consider the Bread of Life (John 6:35)

Scripture Reference: Revelation 19:1-9, 21:1-8, 22:14-21
Revelation gives us an astounding picture of what Christians are looking forward to at King Jesus return. John sees that Jesus return brings everlasting life and joy as He makes all things new! Could St. Augustine be right when he said, “In God’s home, there is an everlasting party?”

Sermon Points: Your future self says “Come” because…

• The joy will never end (19:1-9, 21:4,8, 22:15)
• All things are made new (21:5)
• God is there (21:3)