X

Sermon series

Extraordinary Psalms of David

14 Sep 2016
Bible Study by Dr Peter Masters

A unique and challenging psalm: David's ten vows for his reign, all to do with his moral rules for personal life and for his administration. Here is - (1) his dedication; (2) his plea for evident divine involvement; (3) his defence of the cause in the spiritual warfare.

21 Sep 2016
Bible Study by Dr Peter Masters

Unique psalms: here David shows us how to summon ourselves to praise. The main subjects are God's forgiveness of, and compassionate acts toward, His people, both flowing from His character, and infinitely exceeding our guilt and inadequacy. The pinnacle of praise then lifts to Heaven.

28 Sep 2016
Bible Study by Dr Peter Masters

Unique psalms: here is the whole scene of redemptive warfare, lifting us above setbacks and discouragements. Here too is prophecy - the ascension of Christ and the New Testament age, with the harvest of the Gentiles and coming judgement, and with surprising assurances along the way.

12 Oct 2016
Bible Study by Dr Peter Masters

A unique model prayer rich in counsel, including problems in prayer. Four evident sections cover (1) The petitioner's humble approach, (2) God's approachability and readiness to respond, (3) The petitioner's promise to God (a vital part of prayer), (4) The core petition itself, including the token for good.

26 Oct 2016
Bible Study by Dr Peter Masters

Unique Psalms – David reflecting on the church, especially Messiah's, using the picture of the Temple.  Here are the riches and benefits of God's provision of gatherings of his people. We too should reflect on the meaning of its structure, purposes, 'walls', 'palaces', and peace.

2 Nov 2016
Bible Study by Dr Peter Masters

Most modern 'study Bibles' limit Psalms 123-6 to the release from Babylonian captivity. But older works are right to relate them to all Zion's trials, including spiritual opposition. Never underestimate, says David, the war against the saints, its periodical peaks, and remarkable deliverances.

16 Nov 2016
Bible Study by Dr Peter Masters

A king's devotions - these three memorable verses enable believers to maintain humility, dependence and trust in all circumstances. Firstly, a regular confession, secondly, the deportment or stance to be worked at, thirdly, the patience and waiting factor. All these sustained a great ruler's trust.

30 Nov 2016
Bible Study by Dr Peter Masters

Extraordinary psalms – here the riches of fellowship are unfolded: first the ideal; secondly, the fragrance or pleasantness of Christian warmth; thirdly, its power and productiveness; fourthly, its eternal character. In these exquisitely structured verses two feelingful illustrations speak to our hearts.

7 Dec 2016
Bible Study by Dr Peter Masters

A truly extraordinary psalm with numerous illuminating metaphors. Here we see 13 of them under the headings (1) the place of prayer (2) the priority of guarding lips and heart (3) the heeding of correction (4) coping with the world's contempt (5) Satan's snares.

14 Dec 2016
Bible Study by Dr Peter Masters

David in despair and hounded by Saul controls his feelings and (1) articulates his needs in prayer (2) affirming that God knows what He will do (3) that he has a higher, better life (4) that God alone can help and (5) yielding his life afresh.

4 Jan 2017
Bible Study by Dr Peter Masters

An insight into a most helpful approach to assurance, not here by reviewing our experience (legitimate as that is) but by reflecting (1) on God's attributes in creation (2) on the distinctive qualities of the Word, and (3) by avoidance of certain kinds of sin.

11 Jan 2017
Bible Study by Dr Peter Masters

Just what we need for the day of intense trial, temptation, persecution, loss, illness or turmoil. Here is God's promise for prayer, the conditions for being heard, the part we must play, the duty of appreciation, the effect on assurance and avoiding fleshly solutions.

18 Jan 2017
Bible Study by Dr Peter Masters

First it is shown that the main theme of this prayer – paths and ways – is about the course of life and its major decisions and crises. Then we see several prerequisites or conditions for discerning the Lord's guidance, all equally prayed for by the king.

25 Jan 2017
Bible Study by Dr Peter Masters

Carefully structured, this great prayer provides a profound study of dedication, yet it also works as a quick checklist of the vital elements, such as one might keep in the back of one's Bible. Here are David's six 'departments' for regular recommitment.

1 Feb 2017
Bible Study by Dr Peter Masters

Although hostility and war threaten the king, the running theme of this psalm is close communion with the Lord, his first and chief source of relief and perspective. Here we trace how the king went about it, his experience and its fruits.

8 Feb 2017
Bible Study by Dr Peter Masters

Dependence is a central duty of the Christian life and vital to the blessing of churches. Here is the nature of dependent prayer in troubles, the avoiding of worldly solutions, the forms in which God gives strength, and some of the mistakes of today.

22 Feb 2017
Bible Study by Dr Peter Masters

David's prayer in deep waters, but his chief concern is God's glory and the perpetuation of his witness. Here also are the answers to the seven questions we may ask in personal Bible study – Is there a doctrine here, a duty, a reproof, a promise? etc.

1 Mar 2017
Bible Study by Dr Peter Masters

This hymn with a refrain that recurs 11 times addresses a series of exhortations to believers, accompanied by strong divine promises, especially to see all of life in the light of eternity. Containing the famous four words – Trust, Delight, Commit, Rest, it constitutes a rich devotional feast.

8 Mar 2017
Bible Study by Dr Peter Masters

David takes his terrifying predicament to the Lord, but not before affirming his trust in God's promises and power – a vital antidote to making self-pitying complaints rather than offering believing prayers. Here are the lessons of his great example in the conquest of fear or discontent.

15 Mar 2017
Bible Study by Dr Peter Masters

Composed when David was at the height of his power, this looks back at Saul's disastrous reign and its cause to help people value their present blessings. To us, it says inversely - reviving past evangelical blessings means abandoning new methodology and trusting the Word alone.

22 Mar 2017
Bible Study by Dr Peter Masters

Fleeing Saul in the wilderness of Ziph David's quest for communion is rewarded, this psalm revealing his steps under four discernible headings: 1. his longing for it (the means), 2. his commitment to praise (including the feast analogy), 3. his dependence, 4. the element of anticipation.

29 Mar 2017
Bible Study by Dr Peter Masters

Probably David's last and most uplifting psalm containing standards for his successors but chiefly soaring into messianic prophecy. Here is spelled out the character, extent and fruits of Christ's reign using vivid pictures exclusively fulfilled by the One 'who only doeth wondrous things'.