This Sunday we began a three-week series on evangelism. The word itself can make some skittish, for various reasons – but by definition it is all about good news! We will remind ourselves of why that is the case on Sunday as we look at Romans 1:17 and Matthew 28:18-20 about “Sharing with Conviction.” Please pray the Spirit stirs our hearts!

We wrap up our summer series with Psalm 19. In this remarkable song, the author makes it clear that “God is Not Hidden.” In fact, God reveals Himself in creation, in the Scriptures, and in our conscience. The final declaration is in the person of Christ – which is good news for everyone, and serves as a fitting bridge to our September focus on evangelism.

In Psalm 73 we read of one who was flooded with doubt, discouragement, envy, and anger. Confronted with the injustice and suffering all around him, he wonders if life lived for God is all in vain? Asaph is led back to faith and hope as he encounters God and has a change in perspective. Jesus, by His Spirit, leads us back to life in Him and reminds us of His presence and hope even when life doesn’t make sense.

Psalm 63 paints a picture of desperation. David is on the run from his own son (can you imagine?!), and in the desert he is depleted of his natural resources and at a point of breaking. There, in the dusty hopelessness, he sings the song of the soul and testifies that his true longing is for God himself, the One who alone can meet David’s deepest needs. May we, too, seek God and find only He satisfies.

The Psalms explore the full reality and the wide range of our human experience: joy and pain, triumph and loss, praise and sorrow. The past two Sundays, we looked at the remarkable blessings bestowed on those who walk in God’s ways, and who serve the King whom God has installed (King Jesus!). This week, in Psalm 13, we consider together how we sort through the feelings of abandonment and anguish when it seems like God is silent. The Psalmist gives us a glimpse of how “Learning to Lament” is one of the very pathways to trust that reinforces God’s character and reminds us of hope no matter what our circumstances might be.

Psalm 2 pictures God installing his chosen King as ruler over his people, and, in fact, over all the people of the earth. The choice before the nations is either to rebel against that reign, or to find refuge in it. Those who choose the later have the hope and promise of rest from fears that might otherwise grip us – an immensely practical reality that touches on the smallest details of our lives. This messianic song points us to a good and gracious ruler, the very Son of God who is both able and willing to be our peace. We hope you can join us!

Pastor Marc returns from his July summer break and he shared from Psalm 1 on Sunday, "Two Ways to Live Life."

Where do you place your Hope? Christ is the Hope for all people and problems through the Gospel of grace and mercy. So give Him the praise!

PLEASE NOTE: This is only a partial recording due to a technical issue. It starts about 10-15 minutes into the message.

This week we are continuing the Summer mini-series on the Book of Psalms, and reflecting on the eighth song in God’s ancient hymnal. This psalm praises God for His amazing power and creation, while marveling at the idea that such a Being would give any further thought to something as frail and limited as man. The psalmist, David, notes the incredible power God displays in nature, that should lead people to recognize Him. The same God who made massive stars, an immense cosmos, and innumerable planets also made us. What a comfort to hear!

Our summer series is upon us! From July to August, we dip into the songbook of the Bible and explore the wide range of expressions found in the Psalter: joy, pain, wonder, sorrow, praise, and loss are all present (along with much more). We hope you can join us for the ups and downs of the human experience, anchored in the steadfast and pursing love of God. Keep in mind that July features guest speakers as Pastor Marc and his family take a summer break.