Kevin Dibbley - September 1, 2024
"Learning to Sing a New Song" | Psalm 96
In this sermon, we are going to study Psalm 96. Psalm 96 commands the people of God to “Sing to the Lord a new song.” Despite all the uncertainties and challenges of life, we as believers have good reason for continually rejoicing in the Lord. We should never be satisfied with settling into the dull hum of a routine life that fails to intentionally take in how good we have it as God’s people. Singing a new song ought to be a cultivated spiritual discipline of the community of God’s people. We ought to continually foster fresh appreciations and fresh expressions of joy and praise unto the Lord. Now, let’s be honest. There are often times when we get spiritual “writer’s block” as Christians. There are seasons in our lives when we lose a sense of our blessed position in Christ. We find it hard to rejoice and to give thanks. That’s common to all of us. Singing to the Lord a new song is a way that we as Christians can help each other stay close and conscious of the blessed reality that belongs to all those who truly belong to Jesus Christ. It’s how we encourage each other. We love the old songs and hymns of our faith. They are crucial because they anchor us in the storyline of the saints who have gone before us and who have held firm to Christ. However, an old song can become a new song when by the grace and mercy of God, we get a fresh sense of its meaning for our lives. This Sunday’s message is called “Learning to Sing a New Song”. Go and read Psalm 96 in advance and pray that God would put a new song… a fresh song of praise in your heart
Scripture References: Psalms 96:1-13
From Series: "Sing to the King"
We are going to study the Psalms in a series called “Sing to the King.” The psalms are a collection of songs and prayers meant to guide Israel through the long struggle with their own sin and their experience of exile without a King to guide and to shepherd them. The Psalms invoke an eager expectation that God is sending a righteous King who will faithfully lead and shepherd His people. These deep hopes and longings are realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Much like Israel, we still struggle with personal sin and a world of injustice. We still groan in what sometimes seems like a long season of silence from God. But as New Testament Christians, we have a King who has come, has conquered and who now reigns. That King is also coming soon to make all things new. The psalms are meant to make us look to Jesus as the King who fulfills all the longings and needs of his people. Jesus is the King who saves us from our sins and leads us in triumphal procession. He is coming to reign over all the earth. Come and celebrate and “Sing to the King” with us this summer. It is going to be a blessing to be together and to encourage one another in the Lord.
