I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. (Psalms 138:2) ~~~~ This sermon was preached at Southill Strict Baptist Chapel on Lord's Day Afternoon. ~~~~ *1/ Where our worship is to be directed - "Toward thy holy temple" - Jesus 2/ What we are to praise and what for. - "Praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth" 3/ The cause of our worship and praise - "For thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name."* **Sermon Summary:** The sermon centers on Psalm 138:2, urging believers to direct their worship toward God's holy temple and praise His name for His lovingkindness and truth. It emphasizes that the Word of God is magnified above all else because it reveals Jesus Christ as the sole means of salvation and the foundation of true faith. The preacher contrasts genuine, persistent worship with superficial religiosity, using Daniel as an example of steadfast devotion amidst persecution. Key themes include the supremacy of Scripture, the necessity of Christ's atoning sacrifice, and the call to live as salt and light in a hostile world. Ultimately, the message invites the congregation to value God's Word above all temporal blessings and to find their rest and identity solely in Him.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. (John 1:1-5) For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself. (John 5:26)

The Canons of Dort Fifth Head of Doctrine – The Perseverance of the Saints Article 5 When the saints fall into grave sin, their faith is weakened and they lose their sense of God's favor until they repent and turn to God again. By such enormous sins, however, they very highly offend God, incur a deadly guilt, grieve the Holy Spirit, interrupt the exercise of faith, very grievously wound their consciences, and sometimes for a while lose the sense of God's favor, until, when they change their course by serious repentance, the light of God's fatherly countenance again shines upon them.