Sing to the Lord, All the Earth

Psalm 98 Psalm 98 beginning in verse 1. Oh, sing to the Lord a new song, for he Oh, sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. has done marvelous things. has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have His right hand and his holy arm have His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The Lord has worked salvation for him. The Lord has worked salvation for him. The Lord has made known his salvation. He has made known his salvation. He has made known his salvation. He has revealed his righteousness in the sight revealed his righteousness in the sight revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations. He has remembered his of the nations. He has remembered his of the nations. He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the steadfast love and faithfulness to the steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the house of Israel. All the ends of the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our earth have seen the salvation of our earth have seen the salvation of our God. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, God. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, God. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Break forth into joyous all the earth. Break forth into joyous all the earth. Break forth into joyous song, and sing praises. song, and sing praises. song, and sing praises. Sing praises to the Lord with a liar, Sing praises to the Lord with a liar, Sing praises to the Lord with a liar, with a liar and the sound of melody, with a liar and the sound of melody, with a liar and the sound of melody, with trumpets and the sound of the horn. with trumpets and the sound of the horn. with trumpets and the sound of the horn. Make a joyful noise before the King, the Make a joyful noise before the King, the Make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord. Lord. Lord. Let the sea roar and all that fills it, Let the sea roar and all that fills it, Let the sea roar and all that fills it, the world and those who dwell in it. Let the world and those who dwell in it. Let the world and those who dwell in it. Let the rivers clap their hands. Let the the rivers clap their hands. Let the the rivers clap their hands. Let the hills sing for joy together before the hills sing for joy together before the hills sing for joy together before the Lord. For he comes to judge the earth.

Lord. For he comes to judge the earth. Lord. For he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with He will judge the world with He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with righteousness and the peoples with righteousness and the peoples with equity. This is the word of the Lord. Last fall, my oldest son and I planted Last fall, my oldest son and I planted about 200 tulip bulbs in a couple of about 200 tulip bulbs in a couple of about 200 tulip bulbs in a couple of beds in our front yard. My wife, as many beds in our front yard. My wife, as many beds in our front yard. My wife, as many of you know by now, is from California. of you know by now, is from California. of you know by now, is from California. And so, we love spring and summer in And so, we love spring and summer in And so, we love spring and summer in Minnesota. I mean, we all love spring Minnesota. I mean, we all love spring Minnesota. I mean, we all love spring and summer. It's hard not to love a day and summer. It's hard not to love a day and summer. It's hard not to love a day like today. But some of us hate winter like today. But some of us hate winter like today. But some of us hate winter more than others. more than others. more than others. And the seagulls, we express that hatred And the seagulls, we express that hatred And the seagulls, we express that hatred with gardening. We spring really hard. We plant a couple We spring really hard. We plant a couple of hundred tulips, red and yellow and of hundred tulips, red and yellow and of hundred tulips, red and yellow and white, some white with red stripes, some white, some white with red stripes, some white, some white with red stripes, some purple double tulips. They're gorgeous, purple double tulips. They're gorgeous, purple double tulips. They're gorgeous, beautiful. We also have about a dozen beautiful. We also have about a dozen beautiful. We also have about a dozen panies, each with about a dozen big big panies, each with about a dozen big big panies, each with about a dozen big big blooms. If you've never seen a peie, blooms. If you've never seen a peie, blooms. If you've never seen a peie, they're amazing. They look like cloth they're amazing. They look like cloth they're amazing. They look like cloth that's been folded over over and over that's been folded over over and over that's been folded over over and over and over again and then stuffed into a and over again and then stuffed into a and over again and then stuffed into a big ball. We love those blooms. They're big ball. We love those blooms. They're big ball. We love those blooms. They're blooming right now. They're glorious.

blooming right now. They're glorious. blooming right now. They're glorious. I realized this week that I didn't I realized this week that I didn't I realized this week that I didn't really care at all about flowers before really care at all about flowers before really care at all about flowers before I got married. In fact, I can't remember I got married. In fact, I can't remember I got married. In fact, I can't remember a single flower from the first 30 years a single flower from the first 30 years a single flower from the first 30 years of my life. I can't. of my life. I can't. of my life. I can't. But I love them now. I really love them. But I love them now. I really love them. But I love them now. I really love them. And I love them for the same reason that And I love them for the same reason that And I love them for the same reason that Jesus loves them. Listen to what he Jesus loves them. Listen to what he Jesus loves them. Listen to what he says. He says, "Consider the liies of says. He says, "Consider the liies of says. He says, "Consider the liies of the field how they grow. the field how they grow. the field how they grow. They neither toil nor spin. Yet I tell They neither toil nor spin. Yet I tell They neither toil nor spin. Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was you, even Solomon in all his glory was you, even Solomon in all his glory was not a raid like even one of them." not a raid like even one of them." not a raid like even one of them." But if God so clothe the grass of the But if God so clothe the grass of the But if God so clothe the grass of the field, the tulips, the pianies, field, the tulips, the pianies, field, the tulips, the pianies, which today is alive and tomorrow is which today is alive and tomorrow is which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much thrown into the oven, will he not much thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, oh you of little faith? more clothe you, oh you of little faith? more clothe you, oh you of little faith? Consider the liies. Consider the liies. Consider the liies. Are you struggling with a little faith Are you struggling with a little faith Are you struggling with a little faith right now?

right now? right now? Jesus says, "Stop and listen to the Jesus says, "Stop and listen to the Jesus says, "Stop and listen to the liies. liies. liies. They're singing. These flowers don't sing. We know that. These flowers don't sing. We know that. But if you've ever stopped to look at But if you've ever stopped to look at But if you've ever stopped to look at them, really look at them. They're them, really look at them. They're them, really look at them. They're singing. They're really singing. They're really singing. They're really singing. singing. singing. And they call us to sing with them about And they call us to sing with them about And they call us to sing with them about God and his glory. And that's what we God and his glory. And that's what we God and his glory. And that's what we see right here at the end of our psalm. see right here at the end of our psalm. see right here at the end of our psalm. In Psalm 98 ver verse 7 In Psalm 98 ver verse 7 In Psalm 98 ver verse 7 he says, "Let the sea roar and all that he says, "Let the sea roar and all that he says, "Let the sea roar and all that fills it, the world and those who dwell fills it, the world and those who dwell fills it, the world and those who dwell in it. Let the rivers clap their hands. in it. Let the rivers clap their hands. in it. Let the rivers clap their hands. Let the hills sing for joy together." Let the hills sing for joy together." Let the hills sing for joy together." Creation, you see, it's it's performing Creation, you see, it's it's performing Creation, you see, it's it's performing for us. Can you hear it? The seas, for us. Can you hear it? The seas, for us. Can you hear it? The seas, they're wide and deep, and they are they're wide and deep, and they are they're wide and deep, and they are roaring out this baseline underneath it roaring out this baseline underneath it roaring out this baseline underneath it all. all. all. And in the hills, they're dancing along And in the hills, they're dancing along And in the hills, they're dancing along with the seas and they're adding these with the seas and they're adding these with the seas and they're adding these high harmonies up above to the song. And high harmonies up above to the song. And high harmonies up above to the song. And in the rivers are watching and they're in the rivers are watching and they're in the rivers are watching and they're listening and they're just clapping listening and they're just clapping listening and they're just clapping their hands along with the the music. My their hands along with the the music. My their hands along with the the music. My wife and I, we actually got on Friday to wife and I, we actually got on Friday to wife and I, we actually got on Friday to to hear an orchestra downtown to hear an orchestra downtown to hear an orchestra downtown Minneapolis.

Minneapolis. Minneapolis. And what's happening in that an And what's happening in that an And what's happening in that an orchestra like that? That is what's orchestra like that? That is what's orchestra like that? That is what's happening around us all the time. happening around us all the time. happening around us all the time. Except in creation, it's happening with Except in creation, it's happening with Except in creation, it's happening with even more precision and purpose. Do you even more precision and purpose. Do you even more precision and purpose. Do you see that? Because it's God that's see that? Because it's God that's see that? Because it's God that's orchestrating it all. All of it. Rivers, orchestrating it all. All of it. Rivers, orchestrating it all. All of it. Rivers, hills. hills. hills. He's orchestrating it all so that we He's orchestrating it all so that we He's orchestrating it all so that we that so that everything we taste and see that so that everything we taste and see that so that everything we taste and see and smell and hear, all of it, he's and smell and hear, all of it, he's and smell and hear, all of it, he's conducting it all so that we might see conducting it all so that we might see conducting it all so that we might see him and sing. him and sing. him and sing. Psalm 98, it reminds us that creation is Psalm 98, it reminds us that creation is Psalm 98, it reminds us that creation is singing for anyone who will listen. And singing for anyone who will listen. And singing for anyone who will listen. And so before we even get into the psalm, so before we even get into the psalm, so before we even get into the psalm, I want to go ahead and get to some I want to go ahead and get to some I want to go ahead and get to some application for us as a church. application for us as a church. application for us as a church. Don't squander creation's performance Don't squander creation's performance Don't squander creation's performance this summer. this summer. this summer. Don't squander creation this summer.

Don't squander creation this summer. Don't squander creation this summer. When God's people needed strength, again When God's people needed strength, again When God's people needed strength, again in scripture, when God's people needed in scripture, when God's people needed in scripture, when God's people needed strength to keep believing, keep strength to keep believing, keep strength to keep believing, keep obeying, keep singing, they deliberately obeying, keep singing, they deliberately obeying, keep singing, they deliberately went and looked at something God has went and looked at something God has went and looked at something God has made. They looked at rivers. made. They looked at rivers. made. They looked at rivers. They looked at hills. They looked at They looked at hills. They looked at They looked at hills. They looked at birds. Remember that God himself is telling you Remember that God himself is telling you right here in Psalm 98 and a bunch of right here in Psalm 98 and a bunch of right here in Psalm 98 and a bunch of other places, he's telling you that he other places, he's telling you that he other places, he's telling you that he made all of this to help you worship. made all of this to help you worship. made all of this to help you worship. That's what he's telling us. That's what he's telling us. That's what he's telling us. He knew it was going to be hard to keep He knew it was going to be hard to keep He knew it was going to be hard to keep going. He knew that we'd w be so prone going. He knew that we'd w be so prone going. He knew that we'd w be so prone to wander and doubt. And so he made to wander and doubt. And so he made to wander and doubt. And so he made stuff. stuff. stuff. He made crazy stuff. He made galaxies He made crazy stuff. He made galaxies He made crazy stuff. He made galaxies and galaxies of crazy stuff and galaxies of crazy stuff and galaxies of crazy stuff to remind you to trust him and to sing. to remind you to trust him and to sing. to remind you to trust him and to sing. My kids, they were studying sperm whales My kids, they were studying sperm whales My kids, they were studying sperm whales this week. Did you know that sperm this week. Did you know that sperm this week. Did you know that sperm whales have the largest brain of any whales have the largest brain of any whales have the largest brain of any creature on Earth?

creature on Earth? creature on Earth? You probably thought it was you. You probably thought it was you. You probably thought it was you. It's not. It's not. It's not. Sperm whales. Sperm whales. Sperm whales. Why would God do that? Why would God do that? Why would God do that? Why would God make these mammoth whales Why would God make these mammoth whales Why would God make these mammoth whales with these massive brains? These whales with these massive brains? These whales with these massive brains? These whales that plunge 3,000 feet down into the that plunge 3,000 feet down into the that plunge 3,000 feet down into the ocean to eat giant squids. ocean to eat giant squids. ocean to eat giant squids. They sleep standing up. I've learned They sleep standing up. I've learned They sleep standing up. I've learned that this week. Didn't know that. Heads that this week. Didn't know that. Heads that this week. Didn't know that. Heads up, tails down. They That's how they up, tails down. They That's how they up, tails down. They That's how they sleep. Why would God do that? He does it so that my my kids and I and He does it so that my my kids and I and you. you. you. He does it so that we might see a sperm He does it so that we might see a sperm He does it so that we might see a sperm whale whale whale and that big old brain and we would and that big old brain and we would and that big old brain and we would marvel at the creativity and the power marvel at the creativity and the power marvel at the creativity and the power and the goodness of our God. He wants us to see that and then do He wants us to see that and then do Psalm 98. Oh, sing to the Lord a new Psalm 98. Oh, sing to the Lord a new Psalm 98. Oh, sing to the Lord a new song for he has done marvelous things, song for he has done marvelous things, song for he has done marvelous things, hasn't he?

I don't care what it looks like for you I don't care what it looks like for you this summer. I'll just tell you up this summer. I'll just tell you up this summer. I'll just tell you up front. The seagulls, we are not camping front. The seagulls, we are not camping front. The seagulls, we are not camping people. We're not. people. We're not. people. We're not. But we love flowers and long walks and But we love flowers and long walks and But we love flowers and long walks and new parks and we like to go to the new parks and we like to go to the new parks and we like to go to the beach. beach. beach. Don't squander creation this summer. Get Don't squander creation this summer. Get Don't squander creation this summer. Get out there and look and listen and learn out there and look and listen and learn out there and look and listen and learn and worship. and worship. and worship. Worship. Worship. Worship. Let something God has made remind you to Let something God has made remind you to Let something God has made remind you to sing. sing. sing. And then go find something new the next And then go find something new the next And then go find something new the next day and something new the next day. day and something new the next day. day and something new the next day. That brings us to the the main point of That brings us to the the main point of That brings us to the the main point of this psalm. The main point is my first this psalm. The main point is my first this psalm. The main point is my first point is the very first line of Psalm point is the very first line of Psalm point is the very first line of Psalm 98. 98. 98. Oh, sing to the Lord a new song for he Oh, sing to the Lord a new song for he Oh, sing to the Lord a new song for he has done marvelous things. His right has done marvelous things. His right has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have worked hand and his holy arm have worked hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. Point number one, salvation for him. Point number one, salvation for him. Point number one, sing to the Lord. We don't know who sing to the Lord. We don't know who sing to the Lord. We don't know who wrote this particular psalm, but it's wrote this particular psalm, but it's wrote this particular psalm, but it's one of a series of psalms here uh in one of a series of psalms here uh in one of a series of psalms here uh in this particular book of the Psalms. It's this particular book of the Psalms. It's this particular book of the Psalms. It's one of a series that are highlighting one of a series that are highlighting one of a series that are highlighting God as king. It's a theme that you're God as king. It's a theme that you're God as king. It's a theme that you're going to hear again and again here in going to hear again and again here in going to hear again and again here in these psalms. Verse six says, "With these psalms. Verse six says, "With these psalms. Verse six says, "With trumpets and the sound of horn, make a trumpets and the sound of horn, make a trumpets and the sound of horn, make a joyful noise before the king, joyful noise before the king, joyful noise before the king, the Lord." The psalm, it's calling the Lord." The psalm, it's calling the Lord." The psalm, it's calling people to sing because their king has people to sing because their king has people to sing because their king has saved them. Again, saved them. Again, saved them. Again, his right hand and his holy arm have his right hand and his holy arm have his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. We don't know

worked salvation for him. We don't know worked salvation for him. We don't know what particular deliverance they're what particular deliverance they're what particular deliverance they're singing about in this case. It could be singing about in this case. It could be singing about in this case. It could be about the exodus out of Egypt. about the exodus out of Egypt. about the exodus out of Egypt. Or it could be the deliverance from the Or it could be the deliverance from the Or it could be the deliverance from the wilderness. Or it could be the conquest wilderness. Or it could be the conquest wilderness. Or it could be the conquest of of Canaan. of of Canaan. of of Canaan. Could be a a victory over the Could be a a victory over the Could be a a victory over the Philistines, any number of those Philistines, any number of those Philistines, any number of those victories that God worked for them over victories that God worked for them over victories that God worked for them over their enemies. Could be the return from their enemies. Could be the return from their enemies. Could be the return from exile when God brought people back to exile when God brought people back to exile when God brought people back to the land. We don't know. the land. We don't know. the land. We don't know. And God has delivered Israel a lot in And God has delivered Israel a lot in And God has delivered Israel a lot in the history of his people. But whatever the history of his people. But whatever the history of his people. But whatever deliverance it was, the psalmist saw deliverance it was, the psalmist saw deliverance it was, the psalmist saw what God had done and he said what God had done and he said what God had done and he said we should sing because when God saves us, anyone who's because when God saves us, anyone who's been saved by God should sing, right? Why do we sing? Why do we sing? Why do we do that? Why do we do that? Why do we do that? Why would the infinitely creative, Why would the infinitely creative, Why would the infinitely creative, infinitely powerful God alter our brains infinitely powerful God alter our brains infinitely powerful God alter our brains and our vocal cords, our lungs, to give and our vocal cords, our lungs, to give and our vocal cords, our lungs, to give us the capacity us the capacity us the capacity to do what we just did for the last 30 to do what we just did for the last 30 to do what we just did for the last 30 minutes, to make melody and harmony?

minutes, to make melody and harmony? minutes, to make melody and harmony? Why would he do that? I think it's because some things in life I think it's because some things in life under God are just too good to be said. They're too good to be said. They're too good to be said. For instance, I can tell you I love For instance, I can tell you I love For instance, I can tell you I love Jesus. Or I could say, Or I could say, I really love Jesus. I really love Jesus. I really love Jesus. Or I could say Jesus is my greatest Or I could say Jesus is my greatest Or I could say Jesus is my greatest treasure treasure treasure and he is. We love saying that in this and he is. We love saying that in this and he is. We love saying that in this church. church. church. Or I could say Jesus is the greatest, Or I could say Jesus is the greatest, Or I could say Jesus is the greatest, most trustworthy, most satisfying, most most trustworthy, most satisfying, most most trustworthy, most satisfying, most glorious treasure in all the world. And glorious treasure in all the world. And glorious treasure in all the world. And he is. Or I could just sing. Or I could just sing. Hallelujah.

All I have All I have is Christ. I don't even have to sing it. Well, I don't even have to sing it. Well, and it says more than words can say, and it says more than words can say, and it says more than words can say, right? God gave us singing because there's a God gave us singing because there's a joy that's greater than words. He didn't make all of this that he's He didn't make all of this that he's made and he didn't make us so that we he made and he didn't make us so that we he made and he didn't make us so that we he could just be understood and explained. could just be understood and explained. could just be understood and explained. That's not why he made the world. That's not why he made the world. That's not why he made the world. God gave us singing because we were made God gave us singing because we were made God gave us singing because we were made to worship to glorify him by enjoying to worship to glorify him by enjoying to worship to glorify him by enjoying him forever. It's not enough to know, study or It's not enough to know, study or describe this God. No, to really know describe this God. No, to really know describe this God. No, to really know him is to enjoy him, to treasure him, to him is to enjoy him, to treasure him, to him is to enjoy him, to treasure him, to worship him. And so the point number one worship him. And so the point number one worship him. And so the point number one is this. Sing to the Lord.

is this. Sing to the Lord. is this. Sing to the Lord. Sing to the Lord for who he is and for Sing to the Lord for who he is and for Sing to the Lord for who he is and for what he's done for you. And before I go what he's done for you. And before I go what he's done for you. And before I go on to point number two, I want to take on to point number two, I want to take on to point number two, I want to take Psalm 98 as an opportunity to rally our Psalm 98 as an opportunity to rally our Psalm 98 as an opportunity to rally our men in particular to sing. Now, a lot of men in particular to sing. Now, a lot of men in particular to sing. Now, a lot of our men sing and sing loud. You just our men sing and sing loud. You just our men sing and sing loud. You just heard them a few minutes ago. I love you heard them a few minutes ago. I love you heard them a few minutes ago. I love you men. I thank God for you. Don't stop. men. I thank God for you. Don't stop. men. I thank God for you. Don't stop. Abound all the more. Abound all the more. Abound all the more. And I'm not talking to you right now. And I'm not talking to you right now. And I'm not talking to you right now. No. [clears throat] A lot of our men sing, but I want to A lot of our men sing, but I want to plead with the men we don't hear on plead with the men we don't hear on plead with the men we don't hear on Sunday morning. This text and a lot of Sunday morning. This text and a lot of Sunday morning. This text and a lot of other texts in the Bible, they teach us other texts in the Bible, they teach us other texts in the Bible, they teach us that a man isn't fully a man if he's not that a man isn't fully a man if he's not that a man isn't fully a man if he's not singing. Men, you weren't just made to work and Men, you weren't just made to work and protect and and provide and carry and protect and and provide and carry and protect and and provide and carry and fix stuff. No, you were made to sing.

fix stuff. No, you were made to sing. fix stuff. No, you were made to sing. You were made to sing. And brothers, we You were made to sing. And brothers, we You were made to sing. And brothers, we need you to sing in our church. need you to sing in our church. need you to sing in our church. I'm going to get to this in just a I'm going to get to this in just a I'm going to get to this in just a minute, but Psalm 98, it's teaching us minute, but Psalm 98, it's teaching us minute, but Psalm 98, it's teaching us that one way that we guard and provide that one way that we guard and provide that one way that we guard and provide for and build the church for and build the church for and build the church is to sing together. is to sing together. is to sing together. You have no idea what impact it has on You have no idea what impact it has on You have no idea what impact it has on the people around you, especially all the people around you, especially all the people around you, especially all the young sons and daughters in this the young sons and daughters in this the young sons and daughters in this room. You have no idea what impact it room. You have no idea what impact it room. You have no idea what impact it has on them to see grown men sing with has on them to see grown men sing with has on them to see grown men sing with all their hearts. I really think that there are few things I really think that there are few things more captivating in our society today more captivating in our society today more captivating in our society today than a man so filled with Jesus that he than a man so filled with Jesus that he than a man so filled with Jesus that he freely and enthusiastically freely and enthusiastically freely and enthusiastically sings [snorts] even when he can't sing. even when he can't sing. I'd say especially I'd say especially I'd say especially when he can't sing. And I could name when he can't sing. And I could name when he can't sing. And I could name some names here.

Again, it's not about ability. I Again, it's not about ability. I personally think that's why the psalm personally think that's why the psalm personally think that's why the psalm says here in verse four, make a joyful says here in verse four, make a joyful says here in verse four, make a joyful noise noise noise to the Lord. to the Lord. to the Lord. Sing, Sing, Sing, shout, shout, shout, make some kind of noise if God has has make some kind of noise if God has has make some kind of noise if God has has saved you. saved you. saved you. If you can't carry a tune, if God gave If you can't carry a tune, if God gave If you can't carry a tune, if God gave you a bucket, you a bucket, you a bucket, then bang on the bucket. It doesn't have to sound good. It just It doesn't have to sound good. It just has to sound like joy. Grab a trumpet. has to sound like joy. Grab a trumpet. has to sound like joy. Grab a trumpet. Grab a tambourine. Grab a liar. Whatever Grab a tambourine. Grab a liar. Whatever Grab a tambourine. Grab a liar. Whatever that thing is. Clap your hands. that thing is. Clap your hands. that thing is. Clap your hands. If God has given you a joy in God this If God has given you a joy in God this If God has given you a joy in God this morning, let it be a loud joy. Don't cave to social pressure and expect Don't cave to social pressure and expect expectation. Don't hide your joy under a expectation. Don't hide your joy under a expectation. Don't hide your joy under a basket and make bad excuses for sitting basket and make bad excuses for sitting basket and make bad excuses for sitting out of singing week after week after out of singing week after week after out of singing week after week after week. No, we need to hear your joy in week. No, we need to hear your joy in week. No, we need to hear your joy in God. We need a song.

God. We need a song. God. We need a song. And not just any song. We need a new And not just any song. We need a new And not just any song. We need a new song. And that brings me to point number song. And that brings me to point number song. And that brings me to point number two. Point number two, sing a new song. two. Point number two, sing a new song. two. Point number two, sing a new song. When God calls the people to sing here When God calls the people to sing here When God calls the people to sing here in Psalm 98, he specifically says, "Oh, in Psalm 98, he specifically says, "Oh, in Psalm 98, he specifically says, "Oh, sing to the Lord a new song." Don't just sing to the Lord a new song." Don't just sing to the Lord a new song." Don't just keep singing the same songs that you've keep singing the same songs that you've keep singing the same songs that you've been singing all these years. No, new been singing all these years. No, new been singing all these years. No, new deliverance. deliverance. deliverance. It calls for a new song. It calls for a new song. It calls for a new song. If God hears our prayers and he fights If God hears our prayers and he fights If God hears our prayers and he fights for us, and he did that this week. He for us, and he did that this week. He for us, and he did that this week. He heard our prayers and he fought for us heard our prayers and he fought for us heard our prayers and he fought for us in a hundred ways. If God hears our in a hundred ways. If God hears our in a hundred ways. If God hears our prayers and he fights for us, we're prayers and he fights for us, we're prayers and he fights for us, we're going to sing about it. This is this is going to sing about it. This is this is going to sing about it. This is this is one of the great lessons of the Psalms, one of the great lessons of the Psalms, one of the great lessons of the Psalms, right? I mean, we're in the process here right? I mean, we're in the process here right? I mean, we're in the process here over years of walking through over years of walking through over years of walking through 150 Psalms. 150 Psalms. 150 Psalms. This is our eighth summer in the Psalms. This is our eighth summer in the Psalms. This is our eighth summer in the Psalms. And you might think after eight summers, And you might think after eight summers, And you might think after eight summers, I I think we get the point, right? I I I think we get the point, right? I I I think we get the point, right? I mean, these Psalms, they say a lot of mean, these Psalms, they say a lot of mean, these Psalms, they say a lot of the same things over and over and over the same things over and over and over the same things over and over and over again. We were made for worship.

again. We were made for worship. again. We were made for worship. Life is hard and confusing and painful Life is hard and confusing and painful Life is hard and confusing and painful because of sin. because of sin. because of sin. But God still reigns. But God still reigns. But God still reigns. And creation and history are confirming And creation and history are confirming And creation and history are confirming his kingship. And so God watches over his kingship. And so God watches over his kingship. And so God watches over his people. He satisfies them with his people. He satisfies them with his people. He satisfies them with himself. And he delivers them from every himself. And he delivers them from every himself. And he delivers them from every kind of enemy and trial. So trust in God kind of enemy and trial. So trust in God kind of enemy and trial. So trust in God and worship him. and worship him. and worship him. Do we really need Do we really need Do we really need 150 versions of that? 150 versions of that? 150 versions of that? Oh my goodness. Oh my goodness. Oh my goodness. Yes. Yes. Yes. If you're like me, If you're like me, If you're like me, absolutely. absolutely. absolutely. We need 150 million songs to try and We need 150 million songs to try and We need 150 million songs to try and capture who this God is and what he's capture who this God is and what he's capture who this God is and what he's done for us. done for us. done for us. And this is why these 150 psalms, they And this is why these 150 psalms, they And this is why these 150 psalms, they keep telling us to sing even more songs.

keep telling us to sing even more songs. keep telling us to sing even more songs. Don't settle for 150. Sing a new song. Don't settle for 150. Sing a new song. Don't settle for 150. Sing a new song. Psalm 33. Sing to him a new song. Play Psalm 33. Sing to him a new song. Play Psalm 33. Sing to him a new song. Play skillfully on the strings with loud skillfully on the strings with loud skillfully on the strings with loud shouts. Or Psalm 96. Oh, sing to the shouts. Or Psalm 96. Oh, sing to the shouts. Or Psalm 96. Oh, sing to the Lord a new song. Sing to the Lord, all Lord a new song. Sing to the Lord, all Lord a new song. Sing to the Lord, all the earth. the earth. the earth. Psalm 149, right near the end of the Psalm 149, right near the end of the Psalm 149, right near the end of the Psalms. Praise the Lord. Sing to the Psalms. Praise the Lord. Sing to the Psalms. Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the Lord a new song, his praise in the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the godly. When God's people assembly of the godly. When God's people assembly of the godly. When God's people experienced his salvation in some new experienced his salvation in some new experienced his salvation in some new way, they wanted a new song. We need a way to express all this thanks We need a way to express all this thanks and joy and faith that we're feeling. We and joy and faith that we're feeling. We and joy and faith that we're feeling. We need a song. We need a new song. And need a song. We need a new song. And need a song. We need a new song. And notice here and in these other psalms, notice here and in these other psalms, notice here and in these other psalms, notice that in Psalm 90 98, notice that in Psalm 90 98, notice that in Psalm 90 98, there's not anything new in the psalm. there's not anything new in the psalm. there's not anything new in the psalm. You see that? You see that? You see that? Again, we can't even tell what event Again, we can't even tell what event Again, we can't even tell what event they were singing about. The point of they were singing about. The point of they were singing about. The point of the new song here in Psalm 98, the point the new song here in Psalm 98, the point the new song here in Psalm 98, the point of the new is not to unveil new of the new is not to unveil new of the new is not to unveil new information information information for us.

for us. for us. doesn't say something like, "He doesn't say something like, "He doesn't say something like, "He delivered us from the Amalachites and we delivered us from the Amalachites and we delivered us from the Amalachites and we wanted you to know." wanted you to know." wanted you to know." No. No. No. Songs like this, the new song of Psalm Songs like this, the new song of Psalm Songs like this, the new song of Psalm 98, it's rehearsing the same glorious 98, it's rehearsing the same glorious 98, it's rehearsing the same glorious realities about God, but with different realities about God, but with different realities about God, but with different words and melodies. words and melodies. words and melodies. Because this God, the God who saved us, Because this God, the God who saved us, Because this God, the God who saved us, he deserves all the lyrics and all the he deserves all the lyrics and all the he deserves all the lyrics and all the melodies, right? We sing a new song because when we look We sing a new song because when we look at God and his salvation, there will at God and his salvation, there will at God and his salvation, there will always be more to celebrate. always be more to celebrate. always be more to celebrate. I love how Psalm 40:5 I love how Psalm 40:5 I love how Psalm 40:5 unleashes this kind of worship. It says, unleashes this kind of worship. It says, unleashes this kind of worship. It says, "You have multiplied, oh Lord, my God, "You have multiplied, oh Lord, my God, "You have multiplied, oh Lord, my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts your wondrous deeds and your thoughts your wondrous deeds and your thoughts towards us. None can compare with you. towards us. None can compare with you. towards us. None can compare with you. I will proclaim and tell of them, I will proclaim and tell of them, I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told."

yet they are more than can be told." yet they are more than can be told." More than can be told. More than can be told. More than can be told. God, I'm going to tell them everything God, I'm going to tell them everything God, I'm going to tell them everything that you've done for me. I will proclaim that you've done for me. I will proclaim that you've done for me. I will proclaim and tell of them all your wondrous and tell of them all your wondrous and tell of them all your wondrous deeds. deeds. deeds. Yet they are more than can be told. If I Yet they are more than can be told. If I Yet they are more than can be told. If I tried to say it all, I would run out of tried to say it all, I would run out of tried to say it all, I would run out of ink or breath or time or all of the ink or breath or time or all of the ink or breath or time or all of the above. That's why we need new songs. Our lead That's why we need new songs. Our lead pastor is leading us well here, Pastor pastor is leading us well here, Pastor pastor is leading us well here, Pastor Jonathan. He wrote that song that we Jonathan. He wrote that song that we Jonathan. He wrote that song that we sang just a few minutes ago with Pastor sang just a few minutes ago with Pastor sang just a few minutes ago with Pastor Max and others. I am free. Max and others. I am free. Max and others. I am free. Thank you, brother. He's not rushing to Thank you, brother. He's not rushing to Thank you, brother. He's not rushing to tell you that, and I admire him for it, tell you that, and I admire him for it, tell you that, and I admire him for it, but that's not going to keep me from but that's not going to keep me from but that's not going to keep me from telling you uh because I'm so grateful. telling you uh because I'm so grateful. telling you uh because I'm so grateful. No more death, no debt is due. The blood No more death, no debt is due. The blood No more death, no debt is due. The blood of Christ has made me new. The curse of Christ has made me new. The curse of Christ has made me new. The curse undone. My heart is free. The risen son undone. My heart is free. The risen son undone. My heart is free. The risen son has rescued me.

has rescued me. has rescued me. Amen. And I hope it's the first of Amen. And I hope it's the first of Amen. And I hope it's the first of dozens of new songs that we sing dozens of new songs that we sing dozens of new songs that we sing together as a church. And a song doesn't together as a church. And a song doesn't together as a church. And a song doesn't we don't have to write a song for it to we don't have to write a song for it to we don't have to write a song for it to be new. There are lots of songs that be new. There are lots of songs that be new. There are lots of songs that will be new to us. And that's a will be new to us. And that's a will be new to us. And that's a beautiful a beautiful thing would beautiful a beautiful thing would beautiful a beautiful thing would happen. But it's especially sweet when happen. But it's especially sweet when happen. But it's especially sweet when one of our own pours their heart and one of our own pours their heart and one of our own pours their heart and mind and faith into lyrics and a melody mind and faith into lyrics and a melody mind and faith into lyrics and a melody and gives us a new song. And if God keeps delivering us, and he And if God keeps delivering us, and he will keep delivering us until he brings will keep delivering us until he brings will keep delivering us until he brings us safely home, we're going to need us safely home, we're going to need us safely home, we're going to need another new song soon. And then another another new song soon. And then another another new song soon. And then another one and then another one. one and then another one. one and then another one. You're not going to exhaust him and his You're not going to exhaust him and his You're not going to exhaust him and his salvation. And so and and then singing a salvation. And so and and then singing a salvation. And so and and then singing a new song like we did today, you're not new song like we did today, you're not new song like we did today, you're not going to exhaust him. And also singing a going to exhaust him. And also singing a going to exhaust him. And also singing a new song is going to help you see more new song is going to help you see more new song is going to help you see more of him. Doesn't it do this? You sing of him. Doesn't it do this? You sing of him. Doesn't it do this? You sing these new songs and you see some new these new songs and you see some new these new songs and you see some new dimension of his glory to savor and dimension of his glory to savor and dimension of his glory to savor and enjoy and share. So, point number one, enjoy and share. So, point number one, enjoy and share. So, point number one, sing to the Lord.

sing to the Lord. sing to the Lord. Point number two, sing a new song. And Point number two, sing a new song. And Point number two, sing a new song. And finally, point number three, finally, point number three, finally, point number three, recruit the choir. recruit the choir. recruit the choir. Recruit the choir. In verses 1 to3, Recruit the choir. In verses 1 to3, Recruit the choir. In verses 1 to3, notice Israel is singing a new song notice Israel is singing a new song notice Israel is singing a new song about the salvation that God has worked about the salvation that God has worked about the salvation that God has worked for them. His right hand, his holy arm for them. His right hand, his holy arm for them. His right hand, his holy arm have saved us. have saved us. have saved us. In verses four to six, though, the psalm In verses four to six, though, the psalm In verses four to six, though, the psalm turns and invites the whole earth into turns and invites the whole earth into turns and invites the whole earth into the choir. Let's start in verse three. the choir. Let's start in verse three. the choir. Let's start in verse three. The Lord has remembered his steadfast The Lord has remembered his steadfast The Lord has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of love and faithfulness to the house of love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. Israel. Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the All the ends of the earth have seen the All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. salvation of our God. salvation of our God. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Break forth into joyous song and earth. Break forth into joyous song and earth. Break forth into joyous song and sing praises. sing praises. sing praises. Make a joyful noise, verse six, before Make a joyful noise, verse six, before Make a joyful noise, verse six, before the King, the Lord. the King, the Lord. the King, the Lord. All the ends of the earth have seen this All the ends of the earth have seen this All the ends of the earth have seen this salvation. And they've seen how God has salvation. And they've seen how God has salvation. And they've seen how God has loved and delivered this people from loved and delivered this people from loved and delivered this people from their enemies. And so the psalm says, their enemies. And so the psalm says, their enemies. And so the psalm says, "So come and sing with us.

"So come and sing with us. "So come and sing with us. You've seen how he has saved us. Come You've seen how he has saved us. Come You've seen how he has saved us. Come sing with us. sing with us. sing with us. You can be saved, too. You can be saved, too. You can be saved, too. If you just humble yourself and bow to If you just humble yourself and bow to If you just humble yourself and bow to the only true king." Notice that we're not inviting the world Notice that we're not inviting the world here with yelling. here with yelling. here with yelling. I love this about Psalm 98. And this I love this about Psalm 98. And this I love this about Psalm 98. And this feels relevant given what we've been feels relevant given what we've been feels relevant given what we've been enduring now for months. Lots of enduring now for months. Lots of enduring now for months. Lots of yelling. yelling. yelling. We're not yelling back here. No, we're We're not yelling back here. No, we're We're not yelling back here. No, we're inviting all the earth. Even that little inviting all the earth. Even that little inviting all the earth. Even that little stretch of green here across the street, stretch of green here across the street, stretch of green here across the street, we're inviting all the earth we're inviting all the earth we're inviting all the earth with singing. And we're [snorts] singing because we're And we're [snorts] singing because we're not just inviting them to acknowledge not just inviting them to acknowledge not just inviting them to acknowledge the truth and to bow to the king. We the truth and to bow to the king. We the truth and to bow to the king. We want them to do both. want them to do both. want them to do both. But we really are inviting them, even But we really are inviting them, even But we really are inviting them, even them, into our joy in Jesus.

them, into our joy in Jesus. them, into our joy in Jesus. World, you have seen and heard what he's World, you have seen and heard what he's World, you have seen and heard what he's done for us. All the ends of the earth done for us. All the ends of the earth done for us. All the ends of the earth have seen this salvation. have seen this salvation. have seen this salvation. Jesus came and died and rose so that you Jesus came and died and rose so that you Jesus came and died and rose so that you don't have to die in your sins. You don't have to die in your sins. You don't have to die in your sins. You don't have to face the wrath of God. You don't have to face the wrath of God. You don't have to face the wrath of God. You don't have to settle for weak and don't have to settle for weak and don't have to settle for weak and fleeting pleasures that will not satisfy fleeting pleasures that will not satisfy fleeting pleasures that will not satisfy you. You can be saved. Get in on this with You can be saved. Get in on this with us. us. us. Come taste something so good that you Come taste something so good that you Come taste something so good that you can't help but sing. Psalmist is looking out on all the Psalmist is looking out on all the earth. I've just been thinking about our earth. I've just been thinking about our earth. I've just been thinking about our missionaries. We prayed together for missionaries. We prayed together for missionaries. We prayed together for them at Global Mission Sunday a few them at Global Mission Sunday a few them at Global Mission Sunday a few weeks ago. He's looking out on the whole weeks ago. He's looking out on the whole weeks ago. He's looking out on the whole earth. He's saying to all the nations, earth. He's saying to all the nations, earth. He's saying to all the nations, billions of lost people, "Come and join billions of lost people, "Come and join billions of lost people, "Come and join the choir. Come sing with us.

the choir. Come sing with us. the choir. Come sing with us. But this choir, it doesn't stop there. But this choir, it doesn't stop there. But this choir, it doesn't stop there. Verses 4 to 6, it calls all the tongues, Verses 4 to 6, it calls all the tongues, Verses 4 to 6, it calls all the tongues, tribes, peoples, and nations into the tribes, peoples, and nations into the tribes, peoples, and nations into the choir room with us. All the earth, choir room with us. All the earth, choir room with us. All the earth, praise him. Make a joyful noise to the praise him. Make a joyful noise to the praise him. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, to the king. Come and have what Lord, to the king. Come and have what Lord, to the king. Come and have what we're having. we're having. we're having. Look again at verses seven and 8, Look again at verses seven and 8, Look again at verses seven and 8, though. The psalm goes even further than though. The psalm goes even further than though. The psalm goes even further than that. that. that. He says, "Let the sea roar He says, "Let the sea roar He says, "Let the sea roar and all that fills it, the world and and all that fills it, the world and and all that fills it, the world and those who dwell in it. Let the rivers those who dwell in it. Let the rivers those who dwell in it. Let the rivers clap their hands. Let the hills sing for clap their hands. Let the hills sing for clap their hands. Let the hills sing for joy together." He's not just content to joy together." He's not just content to joy together." He's not just content to have the nations join into the choir and have the nations join into the choir and have the nations join into the choir and sing this worship to the Lord. He says, sing this worship to the Lord. He says, sing this worship to the Lord. He says, "No, I want the rivers and hills and "No, I want the rivers and hills and "No, I want the rivers and hills and oceans and sperm whales. I want them all oceans and sperm whales. I want them all oceans and sperm whales. I want them all to get in on this, too." to get in on this, too." to get in on this, too." Now, we already saw in the beginning Now, we already saw in the beginning Now, we already saw in the beginning that creation's singing. Creation's that creation's singing. Creation's that creation's singing. Creation's already singing. We know that. And they already singing. We know that. And they already singing. We know that. And they really are.

really are. really are. But by verse seven, even creation is But by verse seven, even creation is But by verse seven, even creation is singing a new song. I want you to see singing a new song. I want you to see singing a new song. I want you to see this. It's a new song. And we know that this. It's a new song. And we know that this. It's a new song. And we know that because of verses 9 and 10. I'll begin because of verses 9 and 10. I'll begin because of verses 9 and 10. I'll begin in verse eight again. Let the rivers in verse eight again. Let the rivers in verse eight again. Let the rivers clap their hands. Let the hills sing for clap their hands. Let the hills sing for clap their hands. Let the hills sing for joy together before the Lord, for he joy together before the Lord, for he joy together before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. comes to judge the earth. comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with He will judge the world with He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with righteousness and the peoples with righteousness and the peoples with equity. equity. equity. Why are the rivers clapping in verse 7? Why are the rivers clapping in verse 7? Why are the rivers clapping in verse 7? It's because God has come to judge the It's because God has come to judge the It's because God has come to judge the world. world. world. He's finally come to put an end to all He's finally come to put an end to all He's finally come to put an end to all this sin. He's come to pour out justice this sin. He's come to pour out justice this sin. He's come to pour out justice on all those who who refuse to receive on all those who who refuse to receive on all those who who refuse to receive his mercy. He He's coming to make all his mercy. He He's coming to make all his mercy. He He's coming to make all things wrong right in the end. things wrong right in the end. things wrong right in the end. The psalm, it tells us that creation The psalm, it tells us that creation The psalm, it tells us that creation isn't singing at full strength yet.

isn't singing at full strength yet. isn't singing at full strength yet. And we know this at the seagull house. I And we know this at the seagull house. I And we know this at the seagull house. I told you about our pianies. Well, a told you about our pianies. Well, a told you about our pianies. Well, a couple days after our first one bloomed, couple days after our first one bloomed, couple days after our first one bloomed, big, beautiful white blooms, yellow big, beautiful white blooms, yellow big, beautiful white blooms, yellow center, bright red target right in the center, bright red target right in the center, bright red target right in the middle. A couple days after they middle. A couple days after they middle. A couple days after they bloomed, storm came through and the rain bloomed, storm came through and the rain bloomed, storm came through and the rain knocked off every single petal. It's just a big green shrub of ugly It's just a big green shrub of ugly little stumps. I told you that we had planted 200 I told you that we had planted 200 tulips last fall. I didn't tell you that tulips last fall. I didn't tell you that tulips last fall. I didn't tell you that we only got to see about a dozen we only got to see about a dozen we only got to see about a dozen because deer came through and ate every because deer came through and ate every because deer came through and ate every single one of them before they bloomed. single one of them before they bloomed. single one of them before they bloomed. Now, deer are pretty amazing. Now, deer are pretty amazing. Now, deer are pretty amazing. We had two baby deer born around our We had two baby deer born around our We had two baby deer born around our backyard this summer. I stepped on one backyard this summer. I stepped on one backyard this summer. I stepped on one by accident. Was hiding under a hosta?

by accident. Was hiding under a hosta? by accident. Was hiding under a hosta? It's terrible. Just awful. Deer are It's terrible. Just awful. Deer are It's terrible. Just awful. Deer are amazing. amazing. amazing. But did they have to eat all of our But did they have to eat all of our But did they have to eat all of our tulips? What's the point? What's the point? Creation is not singing at full strength Creation is not singing at full strength Creation is not singing at full strength yet. yet. yet. Consider the liies Consider the liies Consider the liies church. church. church. They're dying. They're dying. They're dying. They're getting eaten. They're getting eaten. They're getting eaten. In six months, they're going to be In six months, they're going to be In six months, they're going to be buried with feet of snow. buried with feet of snow. buried with feet of snow. Creation is cursed because of sin. Our Creation is cursed because of sin. Our Creation is cursed because of sin. Our strawberries might get moldy before we strawberries might get moldy before we strawberries might get moldy before we even get them to the fridge. even get them to the fridge. even get them to the fridge. Parasites are going to wipe out crops Parasites are going to wipe out crops Parasites are going to wipe out crops and other animals. Wildfires break out and other animals. Wildfires break out and other animals. Wildfires break out and destroy communities and then push and destroy communities and then push and destroy communities and then push smoke for hundreds and hundreds of smoke for hundreds and hundreds of smoke for hundreds and hundreds of miles. miles. miles. It gets brutally cold in Minnesota for It gets brutally cold in Minnesota for It gets brutally cold in Minnesota for half the year. And don't even get me half the year. And don't even get me half the year. And don't even get me started about construction. started about construction. started about construction. Construction, of course, is our Construction, of course, is our Construction, of course, is our creation. It's not his. But man, it's an creation. It's not his. But man, it's an creation. It's not his. But man, it's an incredible picture of the curse under incredible picture of the curse under incredible picture of the curse under sin, isn't it? When your favorite street sin, isn't it? When your favorite street sin, isn't it? When your favorite street is torn up, you don't know how to get is torn up, you don't know how to get is torn up, you don't know how to get home. It's going to take you twice as home. It's going to take you twice as home. It's going to take you twice as long, and you just want to go home.

The creation is beautiful and it is The creation is beautiful and it is singing, but it is also cursed singing, but it is also cursed singing, but it is also cursed for now. for now. for now. And when Christ comes to judge the And when Christ comes to judge the And when Christ comes to judge the world, world, world, there won't be any more construction there won't be any more construction there won't be any more construction or disease or disease or disease or mold or mold or mold or cold. or cold. or cold. This is why I've come to love joy to the This is why I've come to love joy to the This is why I've come to love joy to the world even more. Isaac Watts. He wrote world even more. Isaac Watts. He wrote world even more. Isaac Watts. He wrote this hymn in 1719. As I was preaching this hymn in 1719. As I was preaching this hymn in 1719. As I was preaching this morning, I thought he wrote this in this morning, I thought he wrote this in this morning, I thought he wrote this in 1719. It was a brand new hymn in 1719. A 1719. It was a brand new hymn in 1719. A 1719. It was a brand new hymn in 1719. A new psalm. It's an old song to us now. new psalm. It's an old song to us now. new psalm. It's an old song to us now. But that hymn is based on this psalm. But that hymn is based on this psalm. But that hymn is based on this psalm. This is the psalm he was reading, This is the psalm he was reading, This is the psalm he was reading, studying when he wrote Joy to the World. studying when he wrote Joy to the World. studying when he wrote Joy to the World. I sent a note to Pastor Max this week to I sent a note to Pastor Max this week to I sent a note to Pastor Max this week to try to get him to sing Joy to the World try to get him to sing Joy to the World try to get him to sing Joy to the World this week. But I learned that Pastor Max this week. But I learned that Pastor Max this week. But I learned that Pastor Max doesn't listen to Mariah Carey or sing doesn't listen to Mariah Carey or sing doesn't listen to Mariah Carey or sing Joy to the World unless it's December. Joy to the World unless it's December. Joy to the World unless it's December. So now we know So now we know So now we know this isn't only a Christmas hymn, this isn't only a Christmas hymn, this isn't only a Christmas hymn, though. Listen to this, Pastor Max.

Joy to the World, the Lord is come. Joy to the World, the Lord is come. That's Christmas. He did come. That's Christmas. He did come. That's Christmas. He did come. Love this hymn. He has come. Let earth Love this hymn. He has come. Let earth Love this hymn. He has come. Let earth receive her king. Let every heart receive her king. Let every heart receive her king. Let every heart prepare him room. And heaven and nature prepare him room. And heaven and nature prepare him room. And heaven and nature sing. Joy to the earth the Savior sing. Joy to the earth the Savior sing. Joy to the earth the Savior reigns. Let men their songs employ new reigns. Let men their songs employ new reigns. Let men their songs employ new songs. I am free. songs. I am free. songs. I am free. Let men their songs employ while fields Let men their songs employ while fields Let men their songs employ while fields and floods rocks hills and plains repeat and floods rocks hills and plains repeat and floods rocks hills and plains repeat the sounding joy. Do you hear Psalm 98? the sounding joy. Do you hear Psalm 98? the sounding joy. Do you hear Psalm 98? No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground. He comes to thorns infest the ground. He comes to thorns infest the ground. He comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse make his blessings flow far as the curse make his blessings flow far as the curse is found. Stop. is found. Stop. is found. Stop. That's not Christmas. That's not Christmas. That's not Christmas. Not yet, anyway. Not yet, anyway. Not yet, anyway. No. When Jesus came the first time and No. When Jesus came the first time and No. When Jesus came the first time and lived and died and rose and ascended on lived and died and rose and ascended on lived and died and rose and ascended on high, his blessings didn't flow yet as high, his blessings didn't flow yet as high, his blessings didn't flow yet as far as the curse is found. If you don't far as the curse is found. If you don't far as the curse is found. If you don't believe me, just step outside for a few believe me, just step outside for a few believe me, just step outside for a few minutes and stand with the guys serving minutes and stand with the guys serving minutes and stand with the guys serving on the security team. In fact, that on the security team. In fact, that on the security team. In fact, that gives me an opportunity to say, "We need gives me an opportunity to say, "We need gives me an opportunity to say, "We need more men to serve on our security team more men to serve on our security team more men to serve on our security team in this season." So, if you're available in this season." So, if you're available in this season." So, if you're available and willing, we'd love to have you.

and willing, we'd love to have you. and willing, we'd love to have you. [snorts] His blessings have not flowed [snorts] His blessings have not flowed [snorts] His blessings have not flowed as far as the curse is found. Just step as far as the curse is found. Just step as far as the curse is found. Just step outside. You can see, but you don't even outside. You can see, but you don't even outside. You can see, but you don't even need to step outside, do you? need to step outside, do you? need to step outside, do you? No. There's enough heartache inside this No. There's enough heartache inside this No. There's enough heartache inside this room to tell us that this hasn't room to tell us that this hasn't room to tell us that this hasn't happened yet. happened yet. happened yet. But it will. But it will. But it will. It will. It will. It will. He's coming again. And that's what Isaac He's coming again. And that's what Isaac He's coming again. And that's what Isaac Watts is singing about. Romans 8 says, Watts is singing about. Romans 8 says, Watts is singing about. Romans 8 says, "The creation was subjected to futility, "The creation was subjected to futility, "The creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who not willingly, but because of him who not willingly, but because of him who subjected it in hope that the creation subjected it in hope that the creation subjected it in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage itself will be set free from its bondage itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of to corruption and obtain the freedom of to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we the glory of the children of God. For we the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been know that the whole creation has been know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of groaning together in the pains of groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. childbirth until now. childbirth until now. So creation is singing, So creation is singing, So creation is singing, but it's also waiting and groaning but it's also waiting and groaning but it's also waiting and groaning and straining.

and straining. and straining. It's in bondage. Paul says It's in bondage. Paul says It's in bondage. Paul says this psalm, it looks back and it this psalm, it looks back and it this psalm, it looks back and it celebrates past deliverance. God has celebrates past deliverance. God has celebrates past deliverance. God has saved us. His right hand and his holy saved us. His right hand and his holy saved us. His right hand and his holy arm, they've rescued us. And it's arm, they've rescued us. And it's arm, they've rescued us. And it's preparing for a final deliverance. preparing for a final deliverance. preparing for a final deliverance. When even the seas and the hills and the When even the seas and the hills and the When even the seas and the hills and the rivers are finally set free with us, rivers are finally set free with us, rivers are finally set free with us, Jesus is going to come again and he's Jesus is going to come again and he's Jesus is going to come again and he's going to save us, cities, church. And going to save us, cities, church. And going to save us, cities, church. And that means that we can sing even now that means that we can sing even now that means that we can sing even now while we're waiting for justice and while we're waiting for justice and while we're waiting for justice and deliverance as a people. Can we sing deliverance as a people. Can we sing deliverance as a people. Can we sing songs like this songs like this songs like this during hard days? Can we do it? Of during hard days? Can we do it? Of during hard days? Can we do it? Of course we can. He has delivered us course we can. He has delivered us course we can. He has delivered us already. already. already. The work is finished on the cross The work is finished on the cross The work is finished on the cross and and and he will deliver us again soon.

he will deliver us again soon. he will deliver us again soon. And so we can sing right now wherever we And so we can sing right now wherever we And so we can sing right now wherever we are in between. In fact, we must sing as are in between. In fact, we must sing as are in between. In fact, we must sing as a church because singing is one of the a church because singing is one of the a church because singing is one of the ways that God delivers his people. We ways that God delivers his people. We ways that God delivers his people. We have no idea how much God has saved us have no idea how much God has saved us have no idea how much God has saved us from as a church because we gather every from as a church because we gather every from as a church because we gather every Sunday and sing together. Sunday and sing together. Sunday and sing together. We don't know. So sing a new song to the Lord. And how So sing a new song to the Lord. And how could we not when we have seen an even could we not when we have seen an even could we not when we have seen an even greater salvation than the psalmist has greater salvation than the psalmist has greater salvation than the psalmist has seen? This brings us to the table. We seen? This brings us to the table. We seen? This brings us to the table. We say these same words, verse one, his say these same words, verse one, his say these same words, verse one, his right hand and his holy arm have worked right hand and his holy arm have worked right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation. But when we sing salvation. But when we sing salvation. But when we sing about his holy arm, about his holy arm, about his holy arm, we imagine two real arms spread out, we imagine two real arms spread out, we imagine two real arms spread out, bloody, bloody, bloody, straining for air on the cross.

straining for air on the cross. straining for air on the cross. When we talk about his right hand, When we talk about his right hand, When we talk about his right hand, we see the nails in his hands, the we see the nails in his hands, the we see the nails in his hands, the thorns in his head, the spear in thorns in his head, the spear in thorns in his head, the spear in [snorts] his side, and we sing, "Oh, [snorts] his side, and we sing, "Oh, [snorts] his side, and we sing, "Oh, sing to the Lord a new song, for he has sing to the Lord a new song, for he has sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things for us, has he done marvelous things for us, has he done marvelous things for us, has he not? not? not? His right hand and his holy arm have His right hand and his holy arm have His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The Lord has worked salvation for him. The Lord has worked salvation for him. The Lord has made known his salvation. He has made known his salvation. He has made known his salvation. He has revealed his righteousness in the sight revealed his righteousness in the sight revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations." Yes, he has done that. of the nations." Yes, he has done that. of the nations." Yes, he has done that. And that's what we remember with this And that's what we remember with this And that's what we remember with this meal. The king has come and worked meal. The king has come and worked meal. The king has come and worked salvation for us. He lived without sin. salvation for us. He lived without sin. salvation for us. He lived without sin. He was convicted without a crime. He was He was convicted without a crime. He was He was convicted without a crime. He was put to death without justice. And he put to death without justice. And he put to death without justice. And he died for our iniquity. died for our iniquity. died for our iniquity. And then three days later, he rose from And then three days later, he rose from And then three days later, he rose from the dead. and he will come again to the dead. and he will come again to the dead. and he will come again to bring a full and final [snorts] bring a full and final [snorts] bring a full and final [snorts] salvation.

salvation. salvation. As we celebrate the Lord's table now As we celebrate the Lord's table now As we celebrate the Lord's table now together, this meal is a meal for the together, this meal is a meal for the together, this meal is a meal for the members of city's church. It's a meal members of city's church. It's a meal members of city's church. It's a meal that we eat together every week to that we eat together every week to that we eat together every week to remember what his right hand and his remember what his right hand and his remember what his right hand and his holy arm have done for us. But if you holy arm have done for us. But if you holy arm have done for us. But if you have believed in his name, if you've have believed in his name, if you've have believed in his name, if you've tasted this salvation, if you have a new tasted this salvation, if you have a new tasted this salvation, if you have a new song to sing this morning, song to sing this morning, song to sing this morning, we'd invite you to eat with us. we'd invite you to eat with us. we'd invite you to eat with us. If you have not believed in Jesus and If you have not believed in Jesus and If you have not believed in Jesus and repented of your sin, we'd ask you to repented of your sin, we'd ask you to repented of your sin, we'd ask you to let the bread and the cup pass. But let let the bread and the cup pass. But let let the bread and the cup pass. But let today, today, today, let this day be the day, let this hour, let this day be the day, let this hour, let this day be the day, let this hour, this service, let it be the hour that this service, let it be the hour that this service, let it be the hour that you finally come and join the choir. you finally come and join the choir. you finally come and join the choir. Come and get in on this with us and sing Come and get in on this with us and sing Come and get in on this with us and sing with us. If that's you, we'd love to with us. If that's you, we'd love to with us. If that's you, we'd love to talk with you after the service.