Simply teaching the Bible, simply

This teaching by Pastor Barry was recorded at our family service on Sunday 21st August 2016. This is the 2nd session in our verse-by-verse study of Psalm 119. (Please note that due to a technical fault, the first session did not record). There are Psalms, and then there is Psalm 119. Not only is this Psalm the longest in the book of Psalms, but it also possesses a certain quality that makes it stand out. One commentator said that this Psalm is “an utterance of spiritual life”. That is exactly what it is. This Psalm encapsulates the walk of faith by a believer. It states the objective, the goal of the believer, viz. to be conformed to His likeness. But then goes on to travel with us through life’s ups and down, the moments of rejoicing and the times of failure. There is a familiarity about this Psalm; it’s as if you’ve been here before. It’s like your favorite old armchair, it invites you to come and sit for a while and get things into perspective. My earnest desire for you is that you would also fall in love with God’s Word, and my prayer is that, as we study this Psalm together, you will see that you are not alone. This Psalm is here to help you ‘walk by faith’. The feelings and emotions you have are not just a problem you have to deal with. We all go through the same things. Paul told the Corinthian believers “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man” (1 Cor 10:13). In other words, we all have a common problem – sin! None of us are exempt or immune, and one of the great lessons we will learn through this study is that it doesn’t matter how long you have been a Christian, you are still able to fall! You still get tempted, you still find yourself amazed at the depths the ‘flesh-life’ will drag you down to if given even half a chance. But at the same time this Psalm will give you a remedy, a sure way to be victorious in your walk as a Christian, so much so that you will want to share it with others! Nothing can compare to that moment when we will see the Author and Finisher of our faith with our own eyes, when we reach the heights expressed in the opening four verses. Then we will sing, then we will praise, then we will know as we are known! But this Psalm is arguably our greatest companion on the journey. It is a friend who understands, one who has travelled the same road and knows the same frustrations, disappointments and temptations, any yet it never condemns, but just gently encourages us to lift up our heads unto the perfect day! May you know God’s richest blessings as you study His Word! Pastor Barry. August 2016