Psalm 66 opens with a powerful invitation: “Shout joyfully to God!” From there, the psalmist declares why God alone is worthy of our praise. As we study these verses together, may we be reminded of the truth of who God is, so that our lives continue as a living testimony, joyfully proclaiming His awesomeness to all the earth.

1. Faithfulness Cultivated (vv. 1-4)

2. Righteousness Brought Forth (vv. 5-7)

3. Hope Found in Yahweh (vv. 8-11)

1. Choose Your Influences (vv. 1-2)2. Cultivate Deep Roots (v. 3)3. Consider Your Destination (vv. 4-6)

Throughout the centuries, many armies have cried out with the Psalmist, “Let God arise! Let his enemies be scattered!” In the New Testament, Paul even quotes a verse in this chapter to point to Christ as the victor who distributes gifts to men (Ephesians 4:8). In light of Ephesians 6:12, how do we make sense of this Psalm in a culture averse to an us-versus-them mentality? What does this chapter have for an anti-imperialist society? What do we really mean when we say that Christ is King?

Psalm 103 is a call to praise the Lord with our inmost being. David pours out a description of God's benefits, revealing to us the dramatic extent of the love God has for His children. As we are reminded of His benefits, this should spur us to praise God alongside all of creation.

1. To You, O Lord (vv. 1-7)2. The way of the Lord )vv. 8-14)3. Hope in the Lord (vv. 15-22)

Pastor Philip Jackson will be addressing how Christians should engage government today.

Pattern 1: Faithfulness Without Control

● Faithfulness in the Exodus (Exodus 32:9-14)

● Faithfulness in the Kingdom (1 Samuel 24:6-7).

● Faithfulness in the Exile (Daniel 3, 6; Isaiah 45:1-7; Esther; Nehemiah; Ezra)

Pattern 2: Trusting Power Over God (Romans 12:14-21)

Pattern 3: Mixing Church and State (2 Timothy 4:1-4)

Pattern 4: Reactivity and Withdrawal (Matthew 5:11-16)