“I’D RATHER”A TASTE OF THE BOOK OF PSALMS

Metro Manila Christian ChurchMakati Sector Singles Ministry

22 August 2012

Introduction 1The Book of Psalms is AWESOME!

Question: What kind of book is the Book of Psalms?1.A book of praise – to assist us in our praise to God;2.A book of prayer – to learn how to approach God and respond to God;3.A book of evidences – to strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ;4.A book of living – to act as “training guide” for righteous and holy living; and,5.A book of songs – record and exemplify music dedicated to God.

Introduction 2

Question: What is your type of music?

•Like music, the Book of Psalms are an expression of one’s emotions and feelings that one wouldn’t normally express when mere talking.•Songs have the same function.

Introduction 3From Luther Vandross’ song “I’d Rather”:

“I'd rather have bad times with you, than good times with someone elseI'd rather be beside you in a storm, than safe and warm by myselfI'd rather have hard times together, than to have it easy apartI'd rather have the one who holds my heart”

Short Exercise:Please read Psalm 73.

Introduction 4

Questions:

1.What are the similarities of the song with Psalm 73?

2.I’d Rather has a “turning point”. What is the turning point of Psalm 73?

Introduction 5I’d Rather’s Turning Point:“So I'm here cause I found this one thing is trueThat I'm nothing without youI know better nowAnd I've had a change of heart”

Psalm 73’s Turning Point:“When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.” Psalm 73:16-17

Question: In the midst of our Christian life today, what is the relevance of “the sanctuary of God” or the Temple of God?

The Relevance of the Temple of God

• Just like the Book of Psalms, it is a way to “fellowship” with God. It is a way to be with God.

• God did everything to show that He wants to be with us!

• God wants to show each and everyone of us that He to fellowship with us!

Question: Do you want to fellowship with God?

A Progression Of Fellowship 1

PURPOSEFUL CREATION

“From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.” Acts 17:26-27

Purposeful Creation

A Progression Of Fellowship 2

THE PILLAR OF CLOUD

“After leaving Succoth, they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.” Exodus 13:21-22

The Pillar of Cloud and Fire

A Progression Of Fellowship 3

THE ARK OF THE COVENANT

“Have them make a chest of acacia wood – two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and half high…. There, above the cover between the two cherubim that over the ark of the Testimony, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites. Exodus 25:10-22

The Ark Of The Covenant

A Progression Of Fellowship 4

THE TABERNACLE

“Then Moses set up the courtyard around the tabernacle and altar and put up the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard. And so Moses finished the work. Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” Exodus 40:33-34

The Tabernacle

A Progression Of Fellowship 5

THE TEMPLE

“The waves of death swirled about me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress, I called to the LORD; I called out to my God. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears.” 2 Samuel 22:5-7

The Temple

A Progression Of Fellowship 6

THE INCARNATION (God Among Us)

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

“They were all filled with awe and praised God. ‘A great prophet has appeared among us,’ they said. ‘God has come to help his people.’” Luke 7:16

The Incarnation (God Among Us)

A Progression Of Fellowship 7

THE INDWELLING (God In Us)

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth.” John 14:16-17a

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” 1 Corinthians 6:19

The Indwelling (God In Us)

Conclusion

1. From the OT to NT, there is a “continuation” of God wanting to be with His people!

2. God’s passion is to be with people!3. He wants to be with You!4. God built us to fellowship with Him!5. God is saying, “I’D RATHER BE WITH YOU!’

Life Application Stuff

Group Discussion Questions: 1.What keeps you from fellowship with God?

2.What can I do to help me fellowship with God?