As John challenges the Gnostic ideas that seeped into the church, he reminds them that in God's revelation to us, there is nothing new. He speaks of a mandate that has been spoken since the beginning. That mandate is to love one another.

The principles outlined in Proverbs 4 gives the Christian clear and practical tools by which to guard the heart. As the fountain of life, one's spiritual heart needs to be carefully watched so that goals are righteous, paths are God-honoring and words are edifying.

Psalm 14 (repeated in Psalm 53) describes the person who lives as if there is no God as being foolish, a Hebrew word synonymous with wickedness. The description is detailed and repeated in Romans 3, explaining not just the behavior but the spiritual deadness of man at birth. The only hope he has is to come to Zion, the place where Christ is prefigured and promised. Christ alone is the means of salvation. God is our means of wisdom.

Psalm 43, in conjunction with Psalm 42, presents a man in great despair, hoping in vindication from God. The Psalm is prophetic as it reveals that help comes from the light and truth of God, which is given to us in Christ alone. The psalmist longs to be on God's holy hill, a foreshadowing of Christ Jesus.

Today guest speaker Mark Shaeffer from the Ebenezer Bible Fellowship Church in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania will continue in the series entitled "Songs From God". Let us remember during this time of Christmas festivities, that this time should be a reflection on what we have in Jesus Christ and that this blessing of knowing Him needs to be shared within our community and beyond. Pastor Mark reminds us that within Psalm 67 we can see the power, glory, grace and hope found in Jesus and that He is worthy to be praised and revered by His creation. We hope you will listen.

Depression, hollowness, and angst are common feelings. Psalm 130 presents the possible cause of the emotional grief we experience. The psalmist identifies unrepentant and unconfessed sin and the guilt that comes from it as the cause. God is his only rescuer who abundantly redeems and forgives fully.

The classic 23rd Psalm makes a statement in verse 1 and then explains the "thesis" in the subsequent 5 verses. God meets our needs through Jesus Christ so that we will have all the essentials that we need. He meets our spiritual, diectional, emotional, physical and eternal needs.

What appears initially to be a desperate prayer is actually a prayer of hope that melts away the psalmist's fears.

This prayerful psalm reflects on the past blessings of God and pleads for God's blessings again. God promises to bless despite a life of labor and tears. How important it is to continue living for God, even while struggling, for God will reward the faithful.

Asaph, the choir director, was harboring significant doubts about God as he saw how the wicked prospered and had so much ease in life. He began to question whether living a pure and righteous life was worthwhile. All this changed when he encountered God in true worship.