SERMON NOTES

God will be praised

Who should praise?

Gods people (96:1-3)

The Nations (96:7-10)

Creation (96:11-13)

Why should they praise? (96:4-6, 13)

Put it into practice: Set aside time to intentionally praise God this week, perhaps by learning a new song, by writing out your thanks, by walking through creation and noting its beauty, or some other creative way to show God how much He is worth.

SERMON NOTES

"Jesusexperience of darkness ensures that we can experience the light of God"

Reflection: How and why does Jesus use the words of the Psalms to express his experience on the cross? What hope does it give you in troubled times to see how Jesus experienced the same on your behalf?

SERMON NOTES

Lament is a necessary element of prayer

Lament (13:1-2)

Petition (13:3-4)

Praise (13:5-6)

Questions to consider: When is the last time you lamented to God about something in your life? How can Davids lament help shape your lamenting? If there is something you need to lament about, write out a prayer of lament to God.

SERMON NOTES

Gods protection covers us always

Metaphors for Gods protection (22:1-3)

Davids righteousness (22:21-30)

Put it into practice: What other metaphors can you think of to describe Gods protection and faithfulness to you?

SERMON NOTES

Big Idea: God is faithful in the wilderness.

Davids Response Submission to God

Loyalty and Rebellion from others

Gods Faithfulness in the Wilderness

Points to consider: How has God shown his faithfulness to you during difficult seasons? How can you remain faithful and surrendered to God in the wilderness?

SERMON NOTES

All of us need forgiveness from sin

7 realities of sin:

Sin often comes from ____________________

The moment of temptation need not lead to sin_______________

Sin leads to____________

You cant ____________your sin from God

God_______________sin

________________may follow sin

________________is readily available

Put it into practice: This week, read slowly and deliberately through Psalm 51, confessing your own sin and thanking God for His forgiveness.

SERMON NOTES

"God fully welcomes you as a treasure child into His family.

David Mephibosheth

Adoption

Points to consider: How does to doctrine of adoption help us to more fully understand the gospel? How often do you consider that God really, truly loves you and delights in you? What stops you from receiving this? Spend time in prayer asking God to make His love known to you.

SERMON NOTES

Gods People Reflect Gods Promise to One Another and the World

1. A Promise to David

2. A Promise Fulfilled

3. A Promise Continued

**Points to Ponder:** How does seeing the storyline of Gods grand drama of Scripture help you understand Jesus more clearly? How might God be calling you to become more active in covenant community at Ross Road? Whats holding you back? How and to whom might you reflect more of Gods promise today?

SERMON NOTES

God uses the wilderness to make us who He wants us to be

Reality #1: Sometimes things go from bad to worse

Lesson:

Reality #2: Gods protection and presence exist even in the desert.

Lesson:

Reality #3: Doing the right thing is always the right thing.

Lesson:

Reality #4: God alone knows how long the wilderness will last.

Lesson:

Response: Write a psalm or letter to God about your wilderness experience, expressing not only your emotion and pain but also your trust in God.

SERMON NOTES

A faithful friend is closer than a brother

David Jonathan:

Deep Friendship:

The friendship of Jesus:

Questions to consider: What is the state of your friendships today? How can you become a better friend in your relationships? How can you experience the friendship of Jesus this week? Put this into practice by choosing one way to bless a friend this week.