When I first dove into the world of online sermons, I was searching for something that would truly resonate with my heart and spirit. Psalm 1, with its vivid imagery of the righteous person as a flourishing tree, has always been a source of comfort and guidance for me. But finding sermons that bring this passage to life in fresh, inspiring ways can sometimes feel like searching for a hidden gem. Have you ever felt that way? Like you’re yearning for a message that not only teaches but also uplifts and encourages you to grow deeper in faith? Thankfully, the digital age has opened up a treasure trove of resources. Today, I want to share how you can find inspiring online Psalm 1 sermons that speak directly to your soul and help you nurture your spiritual journey. Why Psalm 1 Speaks So Deeply to Us Psalm 1 is a beautiful invitation to choose a path of life and blessing. It contrasts the way of the righteous with the way of the wicked, painting a picture of stability, growth, and fruitfulness for those who delight in God’s law. This psalm is like a spiritual compass, gently guiding us toward a life rooted in God’s wisdom. What makes Psalm 1 so powerful is its simplicity and depth. It reminds us that our choices matter and that meditating on God’s word is the key to flourishing. When I listen to sermons on this psalm, I’m often struck by how the message can be both comforting and challenging. It encourages me to reflect on my daily habits and where I’m planting my roots. How to Find Quality Online Psalm 1 Sermons The internet is vast, and not all sermons are created equal. So, how do you find sermons that truly inspire and deepen your understanding of Psalm 1? Here are some practical tips that have helped me: Look for trusted sources: Many churches and ministries post sermons online. Choose those with a reputation for sound biblical teaching and a warm, engaging style. Check sermon descriptions: A good sermon will often include a brief summary or key points. This helps you decide if it’s the right fit for your current spiritual needs. Listen to sample clips: Many platforms allow you to preview sermons. This is a great way to get a feel for the speaker’s tone and approach. Read reviews or comments: Hearing from others who have listened can give you insight into how impactful the sermon is. Use specific search terms: Typing “online Psalm 1 sermons” into your favourite search engine or podcast app can lead you to focused content. One resource I’ve found particularly helpful is psalm one sermons online. It’s a dedicated platform that curates inspiring messages centered on Psalm 1, making it easier to find sermons that resonate deeply. What Makes a Psalm 1 Sermon Truly Inspiring? Not all sermons are created equal. Some simply explain the text, while others breathe life into it. From my experience, the most inspiring sermons on Psalm 1 share a few key qualities: Relatability: The preacher connects the ancient words to modern life, showing how Psalm 1 applies to everyday struggles and joys. Storytelling: Using stories or metaphors helps the message stick. For example, comparing the righteous person to a tree planted by streams of water makes the truth vivid and memorable. Practical application: The best sermons don’t just teach; they challenge us to act. They offer clear steps on how to meditate on God’s word and avoid the pitfalls of the wicked. Encouragement: A warm, gentle tone that uplifts rather than condemns invites listeners to grow without fear. Depth and clarity: The sermon digs into the meaning of the text without becoming overly complicated, making it accessible to all levels of Bible study. When I find a sermon that ticks these boxes, I often listen to it more than once. It becomes a spiritual anchor for me during busy or challenging times. How to Make the Most of Online Psalm 1 Sermons Listening to sermons online is convenient, but to truly benefit, I’ve learned to engage actively with the message. Here are some ways you can deepen your experience: Set aside quiet time: Find a peaceful spot where you won’t be distracted. Treat it like a special appointment with God. Take notes: Writing down key points or verses helps you remember and reflect later. Pause and reflect: Don’t rush through the sermon. Take moments to think about what’s being said and how it applies to your life. Pray along: Ask God to open your heart and help you live out the truths you’re hearing. Discuss with others: Sharing insights with friends or a study group can deepen your understanding and encourage accountability. Revisit sermons: Sometimes, listening again reveals new layers of meaning. By approaching online sermons with intention, you transform passive listening into an active spiritual practice. Growing Deeper Through Psalm 1 Teachings Psalm 1 is more than just a passage to study; it’s a lifestyle invitation. The sermons I’ve found online have helped me see that flourishing spiritually is about daily choices - what I meditate on, who I spend time with, and how I respond to life’s challenges. If you’re looking to grow deeper in your faith, I encourage you to explore a variety of sermons on Psalm 1. Each preacher brings a unique perspective that can enrich your understanding and inspire you to live rooted in God’s word. Remember, spiritual growth is a journey, not a race. Like a tree planted by streams of water, it takes time, patience, and nourishment. Let these sermons be part of your watering and tending. Finding inspiring sermons online has been a blessing in my own walk with God. I hope these tips and reflections help you discover messages that uplift and encourage you. If you want to start exploring, check out psalm one sermons online for a curated selection of teachings that can guide you on this beautiful path. May your roots grow deep, and your leaves stay green in every season of life.

Hebrews 6:1-3 From Foundations to Maturity Hebrews 6:1-3 cgreenps1 Sep 7 5 min read 6:1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits. These three verses form a particularly rich passage for a sermon on spiritual maturity because the writer is not primarily telling Christians to learn more information; he is urging them to move forward in their relationship with Christ. The key phrase is: “Let us go on to perfection [maturity].” — Hebrews 6:1 NKJV We will build our sermon around the idea: “Moving On: From Foundations to Maturity.” 1. The danger of staying at the foundation Hebrews 6:1 begins: “Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection…” The writer is not saying that foundations are unimportant. Quite the opposite. A building without a foundation will collapse. But imagine constructing a house and spending twenty years continually inspecting and discussing the foundations without ever building the walls. That is the danger of a Christian who is always learning the basics but never progressing into maturity. There is a difference between: knowing about Christ and knowing Christ. beginning the Christian life and growing in Christ. being spiritually fed and learning to feed others. receiving ministry and becoming someone who ministers. asking God continually, “What will You do for me?” and beginning to ask, “Lord, what can You do through me?” “God does not intend us merely to have a Christian beginning; He intends us to have a Christian maturity.” 2. What does “maturity” actually mean? This is important because people can misunderstand Hebrews 6. The word translated “perfection” in the NKJV comes from the Greek teleiotēs, carrying the idea of completeness, maturity, or reaching the intended goal. It does not mean becoming sinless or perfect in the sense of never making mistakes. A mature Christian is someone who is increasingly: grounded in God's Word. obedient to Christ. sensitive to the Holy Spirit. able to distinguish right from wrong. able to endure difficulties. able to love sacrificially. able to serve others. able to reproduce spiritual life in others. Hebrews later gives us a wonderful definition: “Solid food belongs to those who are of full age…”— Hebrews 5:14 NKJV And then: “…those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” That gives us an excellent connection between Hebrews 5 and 6. Maturity is not simply knowing more. It is knowing what to do with what you know. 3. The six foundations listed in Hebrews 6:1–2 The writer gives six foundational teachings: 1. Repentance from dead works 2. Faith toward God 3. The doctrine of baptisms 4. Laying on of hands 5. Resurrection of the dead 6. Eternal judgment The foundations are essential—but they are foundations, not the destination. We can illustrate this idea by thinking of a house. We need: Foundation → Structure → Rooms → Life within the house. Likewise: Conversion → Discipleship → Character → Service → Spiritual reproduction The tragedy is when a Christian spends their whole life continually returning to the foundation. 4. Repentance must become a lifestyle The first foundation is: “repentance from dead works” Repentance is not merely something we did when we first came to Christ. A mature Christian develops a repentant heart. There is a difference between: Immaturity: “I've been forgiven.” Maturity :“Lord, show me what needs to change in me.” A mature believer becomes increasingly sensitive to things that grieve the Holy Spirit. Repentance moves from being a one-time crisis to becoming a way of life (see 1 John 1:9). 5. Faith must develop into trust The second foundation is: “faith toward God” A new Christian may believe God for salvation. But maturity means learning to trust God with: unanswered prayer. disappointment. suffering. finances. relationships. uncertainty. the future. There is a progression: “I believe God can.” → “I believe God will.” → “I trust God even when He doesn't.” That last step represents significant spiritual maturity. Think of Job: “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.”— Job 13:15 NKJV Mature faith does not necessarily mean having all the answers. It means knowing God well enough to trust Him when you do not have the answers. 6. From receiving ministry to becoming a minister A baby is entirely concerned with receiving. Someone feeds the baby. Someone changes the baby. Someone carries the baby. Someone protects the baby. But eventually the child grows up. And spiritually, something similar should happen. A new Christian naturally asks: “What can God do for me?” But maturity increasingly asks: “What does God want to do through me?” That is a profound transition. Spiritual infancy: “Feed me.” Spiritual maturity: “Let me help feed someone else.” Spiritual infancy: “Pray for me.” Spiritual maturity: “Let me pray for you.” Spiritual infancy: “I need encouragement.” Spiritual maturity: “Who can I encourage?” Spiritual infancy: “I need someone to minister to me.” Spiritual maturity: “Lord, make me available to minister to others.” 7. Maturity involves moving from knowledge to obedience This is our central message. You can know the Bible extremely well and remain spiritually immature. James says: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only…”— James 1:22 NKJV So maturity is not measured simply by: How much Scripture do I know? but by: How much of what I know am I actually living? You could say: “Biblical knowledge is accumulated information; spiritual maturity is transformed character.” 8. Maturity requires leaving some things behind Hebrews 6:1 says: “Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ…” There are things God wants us/you to leave behind. Not to abandon Christ. Not abandon the foundations. But stop continually living at the level of spiritual infancy. Paul says something similar in 1 Corinthians 13:11: “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” The question for the reader could be: “What is God asking you to leave behind so that you can move forward?” It might be: fear. unforgiveness. dependence upon others. spiritual passivity. constant complaining. old habits. a need for continual reassurance. living by feelings rather than faith. being a spectator rather than a servant. Modern idols – TV , Celebrity, Sports teams, and individuals, etc. An idol is anything that gets first place ahead of God. Amen Personal Prayer In Part 2 We consider in section 9. Maturity requires movement and in Section 10 . God Himself is involved in our maturity and also wise quotations from C S Lewis and A W Tozer.

A joint study on Covenant Love between John 14:15 and Malachi Chapter 1. To obey is better than sacrifice 2. Covenant Love Requires Reciprocity. Bible Teacher Tom Bradford writes:“Covenant love is reciprocal. God gives love and expects love back.” God's covenant love calls for a response of covenant faithfulness.Malachi's warning through Edom is clear. Covenant privileges can be despised, and covenant loyalty can be abandoned. 3. Covenant Love Is the Backbone of Both TestamentsJames echoes the principle:“Faith without works is dead.” (James 2:17) Jesus echoes the same truth:“If you love Me, keep My commandments.”The New Testament does not discard covenant faithfulness. It deepens and internalizes it through the work of Christ and the Spirit. 4. Covenant Love Is the Kind of Love God Seeks. Affection has its place. We have affection for family, friends, and companions.But God seeks something deeper from His covenant people: faithful obedience. This is why Malachi 1 is so devastating. Israel continued offering sacrifice, ritual, tradition, and attendance, but their obedience was absent. God therefore says:“I take no pleasure in you ... I will not accept an offering from your hands.” (Malachi 1:10)Understanding covenant love helps us understand God's complaint against Israel in Malachi. Their problem was not a lack of religious activity. Their problem was a lack of covenant faithfulness. They continued to worship, but their obedience had disappeared. IV. MALACHI 1: POLLUTED WORSHIP AND ITS MODERN EQUIVALENTS 1. Blind Sacrifices: Giving God What Costs Us Nothing (Malachi 1:8) Are we giving God our leftovers instead of our best? 2. Casual Worship: Treating Holy Things as Common (Malachi 1:12-13) Do we approach worship with reverence and expectation? 3. Priestly Failure: Leadership That Lowers the Standard (Malachi 1:6-7) Do leaders model wholehearted obedience? 4. God Rejects Disobedient Worship: Expecting Blessing Without Obedience (Malachi 1:9-10) Are we asking God for what we refuse to honour Him with? This connection between love and obedience has been recognised by faithful believers throughout church history. Observe how several respected Christian voices expressed this same truth. V. THREE QUOTATIONS ON OBEDIENCE AS LOVE Dietrich Bonhoeffer:“Only he who believes is obedient, and only he who is obedient believes.” Oswald Chambers:“The best measure of love for God is obedience to him.” Charles Spurgeon:“Obedience is the hallmark of faith. Where obedience is lacking, love is hollow.” The question, therefore, is not what Israel did centuries ago. The question is how these truths confront us today. What does covenant love look like in your fellowship? VI. APPLICATION FOR ENCOUNTER CHURCH Bathgate and West Lothian do not need a church that merely feels love for God. They need a church that obeys God .• Give God your best, not your leftovers .• Honour Him in worship, prayer, giving, holiness and mission. • Live out Jesus' commandments visibly and courageously .• Reject casual worship and embrace costly obedience. • Become a people whose love is proven by action. CONCLUSIONS Church, throughout this message we have heard the same truth echoed from both the Old Testament and the New.Malachi exposes a people who continued their religious activities while withholding true covenant loyalty from God. Jesus removes all ambiguity when He says:“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” The question before us is not whether we sing passionately. The question is not whether we attend church faithfully. The question is not even whether we feel affection towards God. The question is this: Are we obeying Him? Because in Scripture, obedience is the primary evidence of genuine love. God is not looking for empty ritual. He is not seeking half-hearted worship. He is not impressed by outward performance disconnected from inward surrender. He desires a people who trust Him enough to obey Him. A people who give Him their best rather than their leftovers. A people who honour Him not only with their lips but with their lives. That was God's call to Israel through Malachi. That is Christ's call to His Church today. But we must remember the gospel.We do not obey in order to earn God's love.We obey because we have received God's love through Christ. Obedience is not the cause of our salvation. Obedience is the evidence of our salvation. And the wonderful news is that what God commands, the Holy Spirit empowers. Therefore let this be the prayer of your church: Prayer Abba Father, Lord Jesus, teach us to love You, not merely with words, but with faithful obedience. Let our worship be sincere, our faith be visible, and our lives bear witness that You are worthy of our wholehearted devotion. Amen.

A study of the covenant love found in John 14:15 and in Malachi Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION: COVENANT LOVE, THE LOVE GOD ACCEPTS What if Jesus were to measure your love for Him today?Not by the songs you sing.Not by how often you attend church.Not by how emotional you feel in worship.What if He measured your love by one thing alone: your obedience? That is exactly what Jesus does in John 14:15:“If you love Me, keep My commandments.”Those words are simple, but they are deeply searching. They confront every believer with a question that cannot be avoided:Do I truly love Christ, or do I merely say that I do? Today we will see that both Jesus in John 14 and Father God through the prophet Malachi teach the same truth: genuine love for God is demonstrated through faithful obedience. To understand that truth, we must begin where Jesus begins. Rather than allowing us to define love on our own terms, He tells us exactly what love for Him looks like. I. JESUS DEFINES LOVE AS OBEDIENCE (JOHN 14:15) Jesus does not say, “If you love Me, feel close to Me.” He does not say, “If you love Me, sing loudly.” He does not say, “If you love Me, attend church.”He says:“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” This is covenant language. Love in Scripture is reciprocal loyalty, allegiance expressed through obedience. After reading John 14:15, pause and say:“Jesus did not say, ‘If you love Me, admire Me.’ He did not say, ‘If you love Me, sing about Me.’ He said, ‘If you love Me, obey Me.’”If that is true, then the obvious question becomes: What exactly has Jesus commanded? If obedience demonstrates love, then every disciple must understand the commands of Christ. II. WHAT JESUS COMMANDS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT The Three Main Commandments Given by Jesus In John 14:15, Jesus said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments." The following four commandments summarise the heart of Jesus' teaching and the life He calls His followers to live. Based on The 3 main commandments. 1. Love God Completely Matthew 22:37-38"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." Known as the Greatest Commandment, this calls for wholehearted devotion to God. Jesus taught that loving God must be the highest priority in every believer's life. 2. Love Your Neighbour as Yourself Matthew 22:39"Love your neighbour as yourself." Jesus declared that this commandment is equal in importance to the first. He taught that all the Law and the Prophets are founded upon these two great principles: love for God and love for others. 3. The New Commandment: Love One Another John 13:34“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” This verse from the King James Version appears in Jesus’ final discourse to His disciples, emphasizing love as the defining mark of His followers. John 13:35 states: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” We are now going to drill down into these main commandments so see what they mean in practice, A. Commandments Concerning God• Seek first the Kingdom (Matt. 6:33)• Abide in Me (John 15:4)• Take up your cross (Matt. 16:24). B. Commandments Concerning Others• Forgive seventy times seven (Matt. 18:21-22)• Make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19-20). C. Commandments Concerning Holiness• Repent (Matt. 4:17)• Do not lust (Matt. 5:28)• Do not be anxious (Matt. 6:25-34)• Let your yes be yes (Matt. 5:37) D. Commandments Concerning Worship• Remember Me in communion (Luke 22:19)• Pray always (Luke 18:1)• Give in secret (Matt. 6:3-4). These are not suggestions. They are covenant terms.Obedience is the evidence of genuine love. But why does Jesus connect love and obedience so closely? To answer that question, we must understand the nature of covenant love throughout Scripture. III. COVENANT LOVE: THE HEART OF MALACHI 1 AND JOHN 14:15 The Book of Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament and God's final prophetic word before the coming of John the Baptist. Israel had returned from exile and rebuilt the Temple, yet their hearts had drifted from God. Worship had become careless, the priests had lowered God's standards, and the people honoured God with their rituals while withholding true covenant loyalty. Malachi's message is a call to authentic worship and faithful obedience, making it a fitting companion to Jesus' words in John 14:15: "If you love Me, keep My commandments." i. Covenant Love Is Not Emotional, It Is Covenantal Malachi Chapter 1 teaches an uncomfortable but essential truth: genuine love for God demonstrated through faithful obedience.In Scripture, love (ahav) in covenant contexts does not primarily mean affection or sentiment. It speaks of:• Loyalty• Allegiance• Reciprocal commitment• Faithfulness to covenant obligationsThis is why God can say:“I loved Jacob but hated Esau.” (Malachi 1:2-3) “Hate” here does not mean emotional hostility but covenant rejection. Jacob's line became the covenant family through whom God's purposes would advance, while Esau's descendants stood outside those covenant promises. Therefore :• Love = covenant loyalty • Hate = covenant rejection Jesus is speaking covenant language when He says: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” The slide above explains that God’s love is not the same as human emotional love. In Scripture, love (Hebrew ahav) has several shades of meaning, but the kind of love God shows — and the kind He expects in return — is covenant love. Covenant love is: Chosen — God elected Israel freely, not because of merit. Faithful — rooted in His covenant promises. Personal and intimate — expressed in His ongoing commitment to His people. Reciprocal — it expects a response. And the response God calls “love” is obedience. Warm feelings, affection, or emotional devotion are not the biblical measure of loving God. The Torah defines love for God as keeping His commandments — loyalty to the covenant terms. Amen Personal Prayer in Part 2/2 we continue our study of covenant love.

Hebrews 6:1-3 From the foundations to maturity 9. Maturity requires movement Hebrews 6:1 The phrase “let us go on” is powerful. Christianity is not static. There is always a danger of becoming spiritually comfortable. You can be saved for many years without necessarily becoming spiritually mature. Someone can have: 10 years of Christianity — or one year of Christianity repeated 10 times. The question is not: “How long have I been a Christian?” but: ''How far have I travelled with Christ?” 10. God Himself is involved in our maturity Hebrews 6:3 ends: “And this we will do if God permits.” That is an important qualification. Spiritual maturity is not achieved simply through human determination. We cooperate with God's grace. Paul says: “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”— Philippians 1:6 NKJV This message is not that. “I need to try harder to become mature.” The better message is: “I need to surrender more fully to the One who is making me mature. Conclusions Picture a child growing into adulthood. No loving parent is disappointed because a baby needs milk. Milk is exactly what a baby needs. Growth takes time. But something would be wrong if twenty years later that same child still wanted to be fed, carried, and cared for as an infant. That is the concern behind the writer's words in Hebrews. "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God." (Hebrews 5:12) There is nothing wrong with being a spiritual infant when you have recently come to Christ. The problem is when God has given us years to grow, yet we remain where we started. God's desire is not merely that we begin well, but that we continue well. Not merely that we receive His life, but that His life is seen in us. Not merely that we are blessed, but that we become a blessing. Not merely that we are ministered to, but that we become instruments through whom He ministers to others. So let us ask ourselves some honest questions: Am I growing in Christ? Am I becoming more obedient to His Word? Am I learning to trust Him in difficult seasons? Am I becoming more useful in His Kingdom? Am I helping others follow Jesus? Am I moving from receiving to serving? Because the question is not simply: "How long have I been a Christian?" The deeper question is: "How much have I allowed Christ to change me?" Every one of us is somewhere on this journey. Some are taking their first steps. Some are rebuilding after difficulties. Some have walked with Christ for many years. But wherever we are today, God's invitation is the same: "Let us go on to maturity." He is not calling us backwards. He is not calling us to live in yesterday. He is calling us forward. Forward in faith. Forward in obedience. Forward in usefulness. Forward into all that He has prepared for us. For the God who saved us is also the God who is shaping us. And the God who began a good work in us has promised to complete it. Call to Action Learn from yesterday. Thank God for yesterday. But do not live in yesterday. Look to Jesus today. Listen for His voice today. Obey His leading today. And move forward into God's tomorrow. So hear again the words of Hebrews 6:1: "Let us go on to maturity." Look back, but only to learn. Look up and see Jesus. Look forward and keep moving with God. And perhaps the most important question we can ask today is this: "What would happen in my life if I stopped dwelling on what God did then, and started responding to what God is doing now?" Where is He leading you? What step of faith is He asking you to take? What area of your life still needs to grow? Because God's work in you is not finished. The best chapter is not behind you. By His grace, the next step is ahead of you. Amen. Closing Prayer Father, thank You for bringing us into Your family through Jesus Christ. Thank You for the foundations of our faith. Thank You for Your patience, Your grace, and Your faithfulness through every stage of our journey. Forgive us where we have become comfortable, stagnant, or content to remain where we are. By Your Holy Spirit, help us grow. Grow our faith. Deepen our love. Strengthen our obedience. Teach us to trust You more fully and follow You more closely. Make us people who not only receive Your blessing but become a blessing to others. Lead us from infancy to maturity, from knowledge to obedience, and from being served to serving. And as we move forward, keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. For Your glory and Your purposes. In Jesus' name. Amen. “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”— C. S. Lewis Tozer frequently emphasised the danger of being satisfied with yesterday's experience of God. One of the themes running through his writing is that Christians must continually pursue God rather than settle for past encounters.- A.W. Tozer We might say using Tozer’s idea. “Yesterday's experience with God was real, but it was yesterday's experience. God has not run out of tomorrow.”

Hebrews 6:1-3 From Foundations to Maturity 6:1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits. Hebrews 6:1–3 is a particularly rich passage for a sermon on spiritual maturity, because the writer is not primarily telling Christians to learn more information; he is urging them to move forward in their relationship with Christ. The key phrase is: “Let us go on to perfection [maturity].” — Hebrews 6:1 NKJV We will build our sermon around the idea: “Moving On: From Foundations to Maturity”. 1. The danger of staying at the foundation Hebrews 6:1 begins: “Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection…” The writer is not saying that foundations are unimportant. Quite the opposite. A building without a foundation will collapse. But imagine constructing a house and spending twenty years continually inspecting and discussing the foundations without ever building the walls. That is the danger of a Christian who is always learning the basics but never progressing into maturity. There is a difference between: knowing about Christ and knowing Christ. beginning the Christian life and growing in Christ. being spiritually fed and learning to feed others. receiving ministry and becoming someone who ministers. asking God continually, “What will You do for me?” and beginning to ask, “Lord, what can You do through me?” “God does not intend us merely to have a Christian beginning; He intends us to have a Christian maturity.” 2. What does “maturity” actually mean? This is important because people can misunderstand Hebrews 6. The word translated “perfection” in the NKJV comes from the Greek teleiotēs, carrying the idea of completeness, maturity, or reaching the intended goal. It does not mean becoming sinless or perfect in the sense of never making mistakes. A mature Christian is someone who is increasingly: grounded in God's Word. obedient to Christ. sensitive to the Holy Spirit. able to distinguish right from wrong. able to endure difficulties. able to love sacrificially. able to serve others. able to reproduce spiritual life in others. Hebrews later gives us a wonderful definition: “Solid food belongs to those who are of full age…”— Hebrews 5:14 NKJV And then: “…those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” That gives us an excellent connection between Hebrews 5 and 6. Maturity is not simply knowing more. It is knowing what to do with what you know. 3. The six foundations listed in Hebrews 6:1–2 The writer gives six foundational teachings: Repentance from dead works Faith toward God The doctrine of baptisms Laying on of hands Resurrection of the dead Eternal judgment The foundations are essential—but they are foundations, not the destination. We can illustrate this idea by thinking of a house. We need: Foundation → Structure → Rooms → Life within the house. Likewise: Conversion → Discipleship → Character → Service → Spiritual reproduction The tragedy is when a Christian spends their whole life continually returning to the foundation. 4. Repentance must become a lifestyle The first foundation is: “repentance from dead works” Repentance is not merely something we did when we first came to Christ. A mature Christian develops a repentant heart. There is a difference between: Immaturity: “I've been forgiven.” Maturity :“Lord, show me what needs to change in me.” A mature believer becomes increasingly sensitive to things that grieve the Holy Spirit. Repentance moves from being a one-time crisis to becoming a way of life (see 1 John 1:9). 5. Faith must develop into trust The second foundation is: “faith toward God” A new Christian may believe God for salvation. But maturity means learning to trust God with: unanswered prayer. disappointment. suffering. finances. relationships. uncertainty. the future. There is a progression: “I believe God can.” → “I believe God will.” → “I trust God even when He doesn't.” That last step represents significant spiritual maturity. Think of Job: “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.”— Job 13:15 NKJV Mature faith does not necessarily mean having all the answers. It means knowing God well enough to trust Him when you do not have the answers. 6. From receiving ministry to becoming a minister A baby is entirely concerned with receiving. Someone feeds the baby. Someone changes the baby. Someone carries the baby. Someone protects the baby. But eventually the child grows up. And spiritually, something similar should happen. A new Christian naturally asks: “What can God do for me?” But maturity increasingly asks: “What does God want to do through me?” That is a profound transition. Spiritual infancy: “Feed me.” Spiritual maturity: “Let me help feed someone else.” Spiritual infancy: “Pray for me.” Spiritual maturity: “Let me pray for you.” Spiritual infancy: “I need encouragement.” Spiritual maturity: “Who can I encourage?” Spiritual infancy: “I need someone to minister to me.” Spiritual maturity: “Lord, make me available to minister to others.” 7. Maturity involves moving from knowledge to obedience This is our central message. You can know the Bible extremely well and remain spiritually immature. James says: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only…”— James 1:22 NKJV So maturity is not measured simply by: How much Scripture do I know? but by: How much of what I know am I actually living? You could say: “Biblical knowledge is accumulated information; spiritual maturity is transformed character.” 8. Maturity requires leaving some things behind Hebrews 6:1 says: “Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ…” There are things God wants us/you to leave behind. Not to abandon Christ. Not abandon the foundations. But stop continually living at the level of spiritual infancy. Paul says something similar in 1 Corinthians 13:11: “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” The question for the reader could be: “What is God asking you to leave behind so that you can move forward?” It might be: fear. unforgiveness. dependence upon others. spiritual passivity. constant complaining. old habits. a need for continual reassurance. living by feelings rather than faith. being a spectator rather than a servant. Modern idols – TV , Celebrity, Sports teams and individuals, etc. An idol is anything that gets first place ahead of God. Amen Personal Prayer In Part 2 We consider in section 9. Maturity requires movement and in Section 10 . God Himself is involved in our maturity and also quotations from C S Lewis and A W Tozer.

A Powerful Sermon with Parallels in the New Testament: Wrestling with God SERMON ON GENESIS by Jacky Wilson on 2nd August 2026 Introduction to Jacob's Journey Genesis 32:22–31 – Jacob wrestles with God. Matthew 14:13–21 – Jesus feeds the five thousand. Have you ever reached a point in life when everything seems to collide at once? Perhaps the past catches up with you. A decision you made years ago suddenly has consequences. A difficult conversation can no longer be avoided. Fear about tomorrow meets regret about yesterday. These are defining moments. Moments when we realize we cannot keep running forever. Perhaps you’ve thought: “If only I hadn’t said those words.” “If only I had made a different decision.” “If only I could start again.” Most of us carry at least one “if only.” The question is not whether we have made mistakes. The question is: What does God do with people like us? Today’s reading tells the story of one such man. His name was Jacob. I am going to make three points here. God Keeps His Promises Jacob had spent his whole life running. He had deceived his brother Esau. He had deceived his father Isaac. He had stolen the blessing that belonged to someone else. Then he ran. For twenty years, he lived with his uncle Laban. Ironically, the deceiver became the deceived. Laban tricked him into marrying Leah instead of Rachel. His wages were changed repeatedly. Life became difficult. Yet through those challenging years, God was shaping Jacob. Sometimes God teaches us through success. Often, He teaches us through disappointment. Sometimes our greatest lessons come from experiencing exactly what we once did to others. Even then, God had not abandoned Jacob. Twenty years earlier, while fleeing from Esau, Jacob had spent another lonely night. He lay down with nothing but a stone for a pillow. There, at Bethel, God met him. Jacob saw a stairway reaching from earth to heaven, with angels ascending and descending. God spoke these remarkable words to Jacob: “I am with you… I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised.” Wow! What grace! God did not wait for Jacob to become a better man before making that promise. He simply promised: “I am with you.” Many years later, Jesus would reveal the full meaning of that ladder. In John 1:51, He declared: “You will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” Jesus Himself is the bridge between heaven and earth. He is our way to the Father. That promise sustained Jacob for twenty years. Now it would be tested. God Forms Us God called Jacob home. Home meant facing Esau, the brother he had cheated. The brother who had once wanted to kill him. Then came terrifying news. Esau was approaching… with four hundred men. Jacob immediately feared the worst. He divided his family into groups. He sent gifts ahead. He prayed. Then, as night fell, he found himself completely alone. His family was across the river. The camp had grown quiet. Tomorrow he might die. Everything he had tried to outrun had finally caught up with him. Then something extraordinary happened. A man appeared and wrestled with him until daybreak. Jacob had spent his whole life wrestling. He wrestled in the womb. He wrestled with Esau. He wrestled with Isaac. He wrestled with Laban. Now, he wrestled with God. This was far more than a physical struggle. It was the climax of a lifetime spent relying on his own strength. Finally, God asked one simple question: “What is your name?” God, of course, already knew. Jacob needed to say it. “My name is Jacob.” “My name is deceiver.” “My name is the man who has spent his whole life trying to control everything.” Only after that confession came the blessing. “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel.” God changed his identity. Then God touched Jacob’s hip. From that day forward, he walked with a limp. Jacob won because he finally stopped trying to win. His greatest victory came through surrender. Sometimes God changes us before He changes our circumstances. Jacob still had to meet Esau. But he no longer faced Esau as the same man. God Blesses Us Many of us are still trying to win our battles in our own strength. We wrestle with guilt. With fear. With disappointment. With anxiety. With relationships. With failure. The invitation today is not to wrestle harder. It is to surrender to Jesus more deeply. Jacob refused to let go of God. He cried: “I will not let You go unless You bless me.” That is not stubbornness. That is faith. Faith clings to God even when it does not yet fully understand Him. And perhaps one of us here today needs to hear the same promise Jacob heard: You are not alone. God has not abandoned you. He has not forgotten you. The road may be difficult. The answers may not come immediately. But His promise remains unchanged: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” I am going to repeat those words again. The Miracle of Surrender At first glance, today’s Gospel reading seems completely different. One story takes place in darkness. The other in broad daylight. One man wrestles beside a river. Thousands sit peacefully on a hillside. Yet both stories teach the same truth. Both begin with human weakness. Jacob cannot overcome his past. The disciples cannot feed the crowd. Jesus says, “You give them something to eat.” The disciples answer, “We have only five loaves and two fish.” Then Jesus simply says, “Bring them here to me.” The miracle begins with surrender. Five loaves. Two fish. Placed into the hands of Jesus. And suddenly… there is more than enough. Throughout Scripture, God delights in using broken things. Broken bread. Broken jars. Broken hearts. Broken people. Jacob was one of those broken people. As are we. Jacob crossed the River Jabbok with a limp. Jesus walked away from Calvary with scars. Jacob bore the marks of a life transformed. Jesus bears the marks that transformed ours forever. On the cross, Christ carried our sin, our guilt, and our shame. Because of Him, we receive a new identity. Not deceiver. Not failure. Not condemned. But beloved children of God. The One who fed the five thousand later declared: “I am the Bread of Life.” The bread in the wilderness satisfied people for one day. Jesus satisfies forever. Conclusion: The Invitation to Surrender Perhaps today you recognize yourself in Jacob. Still wrestling. Still afraid. Still carrying regrets. Hear Jesus’s invitation to us: Bring what you have to Me. Bring your fears. Bring your failures. Bring your weakness. Bring your questions. Bring your whole life. For in His hands, broken lives become blessed lives. Sinners become saints. The fearful become courageous. The guilty become forgiven. The lost become found. And those who once walked away from God discover that He has never walked away from them. So may we, like Jacob, cling to the Lord Jesus with all our hearts and let us say together: “I will not let You go unless You bless me.” And may we discover that the God who met Jacob beside the Jabbok still meets His people today through Jesus Christ. AMEN

The characteristics of the Bride by Guest blogger Alex Smith. The Spirit and the Bride say 'Come' Cant. 8:6 - 7 “Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is as strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would be utterly contemned (despised).” Notice the paired OPPOSITES: Heart, Arm. But BOTH show forth “love”. Love in the heart, Love in Strength (e.g. “the arm of the Lord”) “Set me as a seal” indicates making it exclusive— like a seal on a letter or official document, ONLY opened by the one to whom it is addressed.Next phrase: Love is paired with Jealousy (Godly jealousy, II Corinthians 11:2)... as “death” and “grave” are paired together. “Love is stronger than Death”. but DEATH IS the strongest thing, EXCEPT Love— because in the New Testament it says that “the LAST enemy to be destroyed is death” and “death and hell will be thrown into the Lake of Fire”... So ‘Amor Vincit Omnia’ —only LOVE is stronger; so this is a parallel CONTRAST. Then coals/ coals of fire/ vehement flame are contrasted with Water/ Floods (in verse 7). Heat, fire, compared with Love, “cannot quench” (put out, like water does). If a man give all his substance for Love— it would be despised “Pah! What would I care about THAT: houses, and riches, etc. It doesn’t hold a candle to this Love!” J.P. Morgan I think it was, said, “I’d give all my wealth for one happy marriage!” (He was immensely rich, but went through several unhappy relationships). As The Song of Songs draws to its conclusion, we see the depth of maturity in the love from the Shulamite: it has deepened to the strongest commitment yet described. Cant. 8:8 - 10 The Shulamite’s brothers apparently speaking here: “We have a little sister, she has no breasts” — means, we have immature Christians with no means of “nourishing the young” (the new Christians)... “If she be a wall, we will build upon her palaces of silver. If she be a door, we will enclose her with boards of cedar.” This is stating a problem, then a remedy to the problem. A Wall —a boundary that holds people out. This type of person has the improper boundaries in their life of restriction, stand-offishness, excluding others, not having the love and openness that the Lord says will exemplify the Christian “They will know that you are my disciples by your love.” (John 13:35) The remedy to this, is “palaces of silver”. Silver is the Price of Redemption (Judas and the 30 pieces of Silver), Palaces = dwelling place of the King. The brothers [close associates] of the Bride say of this type of immature Christian, that we will “advertise” that she IS the Dwelling place of the King who ransomed her, paying the price of Redemption for her! ! !If she be a door— improper boundaries of letting in people that shouldn’t be let in. There are some who let in anyone and anything: who in their immaturity are gullible and even “desperate”, and tend toward allowing Man and Man’s “winds of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14) infiltrate their lives. The brothers protectively say that we will ENCLOSE her (stop the gap) with “boards of cedar” Two things: cedar represents Humanity (wood = humanity) ...but it was ALSO what the INTERIOR of the Temple was made of: it was clad in cedar. So they are saying, “If this immature Christian has an Open Door where she oughtn’t —improper or lacking boundaries, we will erect the PROPER boundary of human counsel (humanity, cedar) AND that will be Godly counsel, but coming through humanity, just as the inside of the Temple of God was CLAD WITH CEDAR. (Proverb 11:14) Abishag responds, “I am a Wall, and my breasts are like towers. Then was I as one that found favour in his sight.” This is meaning, not a Wall as in a TOO private boundary, but just a PROPER boundary— and affirming that she DOES have the means to Nourish the Young (“breasts”). The phrase “like a tower” means that they are prominent, noticeable. The Bride’s ability to nourish the babes in Christ is noticeable by the Lord. Solomon (i.e. Jesus) sees this with favour. saying “Yeah, I like that... I REALLY REALLY like that.” Because that is what he is looking for... someone mature enough in him— in the security of belonging to him— to assert that they have these characteristics. The characteristics of The Bride are: · Seeing one’s deficiencies, yet seeing one’s self as the Lord sees (“I am black, yet comely”) · Being as a common “flower” hidden in amongst society, yet giving forth a sweet fragrance unto the Lord (“Lily of the valleys”) · Knowing when, according to the Times and Seasons of the Lord, is the appropriate time to “stir up love”. We should ALWAYS be developing a deeper love and commitment to the Lord, yet there are times when this shall be more openly seen and displayed— and times when it is hidden except from Him. A plant can have a small blossom, yet a deep root. · Paying heed in one’s heart to seemingly small matters of sin, that may have devastating spiritual consequences. (“the little foxes that spoil the vine”). · People with the Heart of the Bride know and revel in the SECURITY of the relationship that they share with the Lord— yet are keenly aware of the longing for His return, well-knowing the sense of separation. They have a resolve to be separate from the World, and to be joined heart-to-heart with Jesus. · Again, will “receive the compliment” from the Lord that “there is no spot in thee”. That does not mean “pretending that we do not sin” (I John 1:8, 10), but freely accepting the way that God sees us! One must have spiritual faith to grab ahold of this. Please DO ! · Accepting both trials (“Awake, O north wind”) and blessings (“and come, thou south”), recognising that God uses both in our lives. · Having “living water” pour forth out of the core of our being, toward others; and simultaneously, having such depth of worship to the Lord, that it is like “liquor” to Him! And the result will be that any that are Saved through us, shall be like “wheat”: that is, we will not make shallow converts for the Lord, but truly teach the young in the Way, that they will not be turned aside. · Having an undivided, exclusive love and commitment to the King of Glory. · Having proper boundaries, balanced with proper giving. THIRD POINT: “The Battles of The Bride”. Song of Solomon 5:6 - 9 After having sleepily delayed responding to her love, the King— whereupon he left her, disappointed by her lack of response, all in a panic she went out into the streets to look for him. “The watchmen that went about the city found me: they smote me— they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me! I charge you, O Daughters of Jerusalem, if you find my beloved, tell him that I am love-sick!” “What is thy beloved more than any other beloved, O thou fairest among women? What is thy beloved more than any other beloved, that thou dost charge us so?” This is SERIOUS ! The watchmen, “the keepers of the walls”, that is, those who are on the lookout for enemies, those who keep established proper boundaries (“walls”)... the very ones that should be able to DISCERN what is, and is not of God; what is a real spiritual truth (true spiritual love in this case) and false counterfeits of demons— pseudo-love— make the grave mistake of THINKING THAT SHE IS A NIGHT-WALKING PROSTITUTE ! ! ! They rough her up, and strip away her veil! In other words, they are saying “You are not worthy to be clothed in modest apparel, as a REAL modest woman would be— you’re just a whore! We will strip off that ‘veil’... we will EXPOSE you! You vile wretch!” (See I Timothy 2:9 - 10) There are very real spiritual counterfeits in the Church today; and they do need to be exposed. But BE CAREFUL that you are not “pulling up the Wheat along with the Tares” (as in the Parable in Matthew 13:24 - 30... tares are a weed called “Darnel” that looks just like Wheat). If you are a “watchman”, then BE SO CAREFUL! Ezekiel 33:1 - 6 adjures us to Watch, Warn, and deliver our souls. But do not mistake those with the Heart of the Bride for those who are compromising the Gospel with unclean counterfeit spirits that mimic the Holy Spirit. There is a difference between those who do have the Heart of the Bride, and yet have errors (“Abishag”), and those who are actually delving into demonic counterfeits and won’t listen to correction. It can be tricky. They can be pretty close in appearance at times. In the Canticle here, the Bride is “searching for her Love”— but finds no help from the Watchmen, NOR from the Daughters of Jerusalem. Those who keep watch for enemies, PLUS those who serve in the King’s Court... are useless to her, and even detrimental. In fact, there are those Christians who do not, and will not understand the depth of love some have for Jesus! They think that going to church is okay, and that speaker was interesting, and the songs were all right; they do have a commitment to the Lord... but when one tries to describe the passion of their own heart to them, they simply can’t relate! But, it isn’t for us to judge anyone’s heart. Sometimes we can feel a sense of futility at trying to communicate this love to other Christians... but we must leave judgements of their hearts in the hands of the only One Who can truly see. I myself relate to this passage. I have found it a struggle to communicate what my relationship with the Lord is really like, even to other Christians, who “ought to understand”... but they frequently don’t, or I sense that if I did try to tell them, they just wouldn’t relate, so I don’t bother; and then I feel very stymied and frustrated. Now we diverge from The Song of Solomon, to the prologue found in I Kings 1 and 2. Here we find that as elderly King David was on his death-bed, his son Adonijah (in I Kings 1) set himself to be king. But word came to David, and he proclaimed Solomon to be king, as he had done earlier. Solomon was then installed, and those who had sided with Adonijah backed away. He clung to the “horns of the Altar” (a gesture of seeking amnesty, continued into our recent history by fleeing for sanctuary into a church or Cathedral), whereupon Solomon pardoned him with a warning that he should behave himself honourably, on the pain of death. The story picks up in I Kings 2. Solomon is now enthroned; Adonijah asks Solomon’s mother Bathsheba to go before the King on his behalf, asking a favour. “Adonijah’s ‘Favour’ Leads To His Death” -I Kings 2:13 - 25 “And Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, ‘Comest thou peaceably?’ And he said, ‘Peaceably.’ He said moreover, ‘I have something to say unto thee.’ And she said, ‘Say on.’ And he said, ‘Thou knowest that the kingdom was mine, and all Israel set their faces on me, that I should reign. However, the kingdom is turned about and has become my brother’s— for it was his from the LORD. And now I ask one petition of me: deny me not.’ And she said unto him, ‘Say on.’ And he said, ‘Speak, I pray thee, unto Solomon the King (for he will not tell thee no) — that he give me Abishag the Shulamite for my wife!’ And Bathsheba said, ‘Well, I will speak for thee unto the King.’ Bathsheba therefore went unto King Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king’s mother, and she sat on his right hand. Then she said, ‘I desire one small petition of thee: say thee not nay [don’t say ‘no’].’ And the king said unto her, ‘Ask on, my mother, for I will not say thee nay.’ [I will not say no.] And she said, ‘Let Abishag the Shulamite be given to thy brother Adonijah for his wife.” And the king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, ‘And WHY dost thou ask for Abishag the Shulamite for Adonijah??? Ask for him the KINGDOM also— for he is mine elder brother, even for him, and for Abiathar the priest and for Joab the son of Zeruiah!’ Then King Solomon swore by YHWH saying, ‘God do so unto me and more also, if Adonijah had not spoken this word against his own life! Now, therefore, as YHWH liveth, Who has established me and set me on the throne of David my father, and Who has made me a house [a dynasty] as He promised—ADONIJAH SHALL BE PUT TO DEATH, THIS DAY! ! !’ And King Solomon sent, by the hand of Benaiah the son of Jehoida: and he fell upon him, that he died.” We have a historical occurrence. But as Paul wrote that these things happened for our admonition, as examples (I Corinthians 10:11), we feel compelled to see overlays of meaning and significance embedded in these accounts. They are not mere events: they contain representational figures as well as the literal ones. Already, due to Matthew 12:42 we know that Jesus is represented by King Solomon “...a greater than Solomon is here.” Who is it that wants to USURP the throne of Jesus? None other than Satan, who said (while he was yet an angel of YHWH in the heavenly realm, in ancient times) “I will exalt MY THRONE above the stars of God... I will be like the Most High.” (Isaiah 14:13 - 14) Who is it that, in the End Times, will be manifested to the world, sitting in the Temple AS GOD, [or, as a god] proclaiming that he IS God [or, is a god]? (II Thessalonians 2:4.) The phrase “as a god” is according to Greek grammar: the anarthrous noun, or, that is, a noun without a Definite Article [‘the’] can be rendered in Greek as one with an Indefinite Article in English. In other words, if there is no Greek word for “the” in the text, it CAN be translated with our “a” (they don’t have a corresponding word). In any case, the answer is CLEAR: It’s the upcoming AntiChrist who will either proclaim that he IS God, or that he is a god. Blasphemy either way: but many WILL BE CONVINCED of it. The Hebrew name “Adonijah” MEANS “YHWH is Lord”, from ‘Adon’, which means “lord/ master/ owner/ possessor” and ‘Jah’, (pronounced ‘Yah’), shortened version of YHWH. But here in this passage (I Kings 2:13 - 25) we see enacted the false counterfeit of the man’s name. Adonijah’s request (by Bathsheba) was a scheme to not only take the Jewel of Solomon’s Heart, the beautiful peerless Bride... but it was also a scheme take the kingdom by subterfuge from Solomon: to marry a dead king’s wife (David’s legal wife) was, according to the oriental custom, to claim the Rights of the Kingship. (II Samuel 12:8 -God talking to David about Saul’s wives; II Samuel 16:21 - 22 -where Absalom tries to disgrace his father David and lay claim to the kingdom, in an open show of it.) That’s why Solomon exploded with anger: (my paraphrase here) “WHAT !? He wants ABISHAG? He might as well have asked for the KINGDOM! ! !” —And he had him KILLED for that. In the great Tribulation and the days leading up to it— the attack of the devil will become more ferocious than ever before: more persecution, certainly; but more DECEPTION, trying to entice God’s CHRISTIANS (as well as the unsaved) into thinking that HIS counterfeits are REAL! Already we see false prophecy abounding, false so-called prophets and false so-called apostles; when I was young we would read in the Bible of these things, and say “Well, Lord, we’ll believe it, because it’s in there— but we don’t see anyone even claiming to BE a prophet, or an apostle! Much less any false ones!” And now... they are all over the place! The devil, embodied in the AntiChrist, and the spirit of antiChrist pervading the ranks of the deceived, is TRYING TO TAKE THE BRIDE for his own! Christians who love the Lord on this deep a level... are being sought out by the ‘anti’ [‘opposite, like in a mirror: looking real but not real’; i.e. false, fake, counterfeit] ‘christos’ [anointed one, or anointing]. He is “asking the Prince of Peace for them”. PEACE, in Hebrew, is ‘Shalom’ — Solomon; ‘Shulamith’ is the feminine version of the word. The bride takes the name of her Groom, in a female version of it. Jesus IS the Prince of ‘Shalom’, (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus told Peter, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you: that he may sift you as wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith fail not...” (Luke 22:31 - 32a) Satan knows that his judgement is coming; but he wants to drag away as many as he possibly can with him, for his ultimate revenge. Indeed, the apostasy that Paul warns of in II Thessalonians 2:3 is echoed in Revelation 12:4 where in this scenario, John writes that “his tail drew the third part of the Stars of Heaven and did cast them to the earth.” (“Stars” representing saints, as in I Corinthians 15:41 – 42). This is a prophetic literary device known as ‘heterosis’ —stating a future happening as so sure, as if it has already occurred. You can bet that the Bride of Christ is at the top of his target list! Jesus warned in Matthew 24:24 that because of LYING signs and wonders, “IF it was possible, they shall deceive the very Chosen Ones— the very elect.” But when Adonijah, the usurper king, asked for Abishag, “the choice one of her mother”, that jewel of a beauty queen, the fury of the TRUE King was levied against him— to his death. And no less shall be the Wrath of the Righteous Son of God against the one who would seek to take His Bride away into the darkness of deception! Great will be the fury against the devil, and great will be his final doom! But these two passages, the first in Song of Solomon 5:6 - 9, and the second in I Kings 2:13 - 25 show the Battles of the Bride: INTERNALLY: · A battle within the ranks of Christendom; the very people that should be adept at watching for enemies (the devil, demons, deception, counterfeits, false prophets, false teachers, etc.) mistake her (and OUR) genuine love, dedication, and passion for Jesus as something fake: ascribing it to spiritual prostitution, that is, reckoning it to be unclean when in fact it is PURE. · And even when those with the Heart of the Bride go to others in the Body of Christ (the “Daughters of Jerusalem” sort)... they are misunderstood, and don’t receive the help or spiritual support that they are looking for. EXTERNALLY: · The AntiChrist, that is, the counterfeit anointing with lying signs and wonders, will seek to entice those with the Heart of the Bride away from the true King of Kings, into a false Christianity; but as the enraged Solomon had Adonijah executed for his covetous infamy, so JESUS WILL SAVE THOSE who continue to trust in him. (Nahum 1:7) * My brothers and sisters in the Lord— I believe that my calling is at least in part, to help mature the sons of God; and also in conjunction with this, to call forth those with the Heart of the Bride. I hope that this study was not only theologically helpful; I sincerely hope that this has helped spur in you the vision for the place in the Lord which we all may occupy, if we but seek Him with our whole hearts (Deuteronomy 4:29). If we press in, and seek to develop our hearts in a greater depth of love to Him, we shall lay hold on those great and mighty promises that He has so graciously made available to us: to HAVE and POSSESS the relationship with Him that He has always desired! God created us for His pleasure (Revelation 4:11): namely, for fellowship with His heart. And as the servant of Abraham went to the east into Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor, to seek a bride for Isaac, so the servants of the Lord seek a Bride for the Christ, the Son of God, Jesus. And in Genesis 24:58 after the servant had spoken of his errand, they said, “We will ask her if she will go with you.” And when they had asked her, Rebekah said, “I WILL GO.” Now the Lord is calling in these Last Days, if you will come to the Wedding Feast of His own dear Son. You can come as a guest... OR, you can come AS THE BRIDE. The choice is yours on how CLOSE you want to be to his heart. You can be as close as you want to be. The closing words of that great canticle, the love-poem that, of all Solomon’s one thousand and five songs he wrote, was preserved in its greatness and beauty for our instruction through the ages, leaves the ending UNFINISHED. Abishag the Shulamite, in one interpretation, is looking longingly down the dusty road leading from her country village of Shulem... driving south toward Jerusalem goes Solomon in his royal chariot and entourage, promising to come back and fetch her for the Royal Wedding. There is no proper ending to this book; it finishes with her plaintive cry: “Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices.” (Song of Solomon 8:14) In Matthew 25:6 Jesus said, “And at MIDNIGHT there was a cry made: ‘BEHOLD, THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH: Go ye out to meet Him.’ ” And in Revelation 22:17 we see those with the Heart of the Bride joining cry unto cry with the very Spirit of the Living God: “And the Spirit and the Bride say ‘Come!’ And let him that heareth, say ‘Come!’ And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will [wants to], let him take of the Water of Life freely.” Revelation 22:20 “He who testifies of these things saith ‘Surely, I come quickly.’ —Even so, Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” L. Alex Smith 29 February, 2020 West Lothian, Scotland

When I first dove into the book of Psalms, Psalm One stood out like a beacon. It’s a powerful introduction to the entire Psalter, setting the tone for what’s to come. But beyond its poetic beauty, Psalm One offers profound wisdom that can transform how we live and grow spiritually. That’s why I find Psalm One sermons so vital—they bring this ancient text to life, helping us grasp its deep truths and apply them in our daily walk with God. Why Psalm One Sermons Matter Psalm One is more than just a poem; it’s a spiritual roadmap. It contrasts two ways of life: the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked. This simple yet profound choice shapes everything about our journey with God. When sermons unpack this psalm, they do more than explain words—they invite us to reflect on our own paths. Think about it: how often do we pause to consider the roots of our spiritual health? Psalm One uses the metaphor of a tree planted by streams of water, flourishing and bearing fruit. This image is so vivid and encouraging. It reminds me that spiritual growth isn’t accidental—it requires intentional nourishment and connection to God’s word. J Sermons on Psalm One help us see this clearly. They encourage us to: Avoid the influence of negative company or harmful habits. Delight in God’s law and meditate on it day and night. Understand the blessings that come from living a life rooted in God’s truth. These messages are not just theoretical. They are practical guides for anyone seeking to deepen their faith and live with purpose. Eye-level view of an open Bible with highlighted Psalm One text The Significance of Psalm Sermons in Spiritual Growth Spiritual growth can sometimes feel elusive. We want to grow closer to God, but life’s distractions pull us in many directions. This is where the significance of Psalm sermons shines. They provide clarity and focus, reminding us of the foundational principles that sustain a vibrant faith. Psalm One sermons often highlight the importance of meditation on scripture. This isn’t just reading; it’s a deliberate, thoughtful engagement with God’s word. Imagine planting a seed and watering it daily—that’s what meditating on scripture does for our souls. It nurtures understanding, shapes our character, and strengthens our resolve. Moreover, these sermons emphasize the contrast between the righteous and the wicked. This isn’t about judgment but about choice. We are invited to choose life, to walk in God’s ways, and to experience the joy and stability that come from that decision. By regularly hearing and reflecting on Psalm One, we become more aware of: The influences we allow into our lives. The habits that either nourish or drain our spiritual vitality. The blessings that flow from a life aligned with God’s will. This awareness is the first step toward meaningful change. How Psalm One Inspires Daily Living One of the most beautiful aspects of Psalm One is its practical application. It’s not just a lofty ideal; it’s a call to action. When I listen to sermons on this psalm, I’m reminded that my daily choices matter. Each decision to delight in God’s law, to avoid harmful influences, and to meditate on scripture shapes my spiritual health. For example, consider the metaphor of the tree planted by streams of water. This image invites us to think about what nourishes us. Are we feeding on things that sustain life, or are we surrounded by dry, barren influences? Psalm One sermons often encourage us to evaluate our environment—our friendships, media consumption, and even our thoughts. Here are some practical ways to live out the lessons from Psalm One: Start your day with scripture - Even five minutes of focused reading and meditation can set a positive tone. Choose your company wisely - Surround yourself with people who encourage your faith and growth. Reflect on your habits - Identify what draws you closer to God and what pulls you away. Memorise key verses - Psalm One offers rich verses that can anchor your mind during challenging times. These steps may seem small, but they build a strong foundation over time. Close-up view of a small tree growing beside a flowing stream The Role of Psalm One Sermons in Community Worship There’s something deeply enriching about hearing Psalm One preached in a community setting. When a congregation gathers to explore this psalm, it becomes a shared journey. The message resonates differently when we hear it alongside others who are also seeking to grow. Psalm One sermons often spark meaningful conversations. They encourage us to support one another in choosing the path of righteousness. This communal aspect is vital because spiritual growth is rarely a solo endeavour. We need encouragement, accountability, and shared wisdom. In a church or small group, these sermons can: Inspire group Bible studies focused on the themes of Psalm One. Encourage prayer partnerships centred on spiritual growth. Motivate collective action to live out the psalm’s teachings in the community. When we engage with Psalm One together, it strengthens not only individual faith but also the bonds within the body of Christ. Embracing the Journey with Psalm One Sermons If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure about your spiritual path, Psalm One offers hope and direction. The sermons based on this psalm are like gentle guides, inviting us to step into a life of blessing and purpose. I encourage you to explore psalm one sermons as a resource. They can provide fresh insights and encouragement, helping you to deepen your understanding of scripture and strengthen your relationship with God. Remember, spiritual growth is a journey, not a destination. Like a tree planted by streams of water, it takes time, care, and intentionality. But the rewards are rich—peace, joy, and a life that truly flourishes. So, why not take a moment today to reflect on Psalm One? Let its words inspire you to choose the path of life, to delight in God’s law, and to meditate on His word day and night. Your soul will thank you for it. May your journey be blessed and your roots grow deep in the nourishing waters of God’s truth.

Psalm One is a beautiful gateway into the wisdom of the Psalms, offering timeless lessons that resonate deeply with anyone seeking to grow spiritually. When I first dove into the teachings of this Psalm, I found myself drawn to its vivid imagery and clear contrast between two paths - one of blessing and one of destruction. It’s like standing at a crossroads, with a gentle but firm invitation to choose life and flourishing. Let’s explore together some of the most meaningful lessons from Psalm One sermons, unpacking how these ancient words can guide us today. Whether you’re new to Bible study or looking to deepen your walk with God, these reflections will encourage and inspire you. Embracing the Path of Righteousness: Lessons from Psalm One Psalm One opens with a powerful statement about the person who does not follow the advice of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners. Instead, this person delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on it day and night. This image is so rich - it’s not just about avoiding bad company but actively choosing to immerse oneself in God’s word. What does it mean to delight in the law of the Lord? For me, it’s about finding joy and nourishment in scripture, much like a tree that thrives by a stream. This delight isn’t a duty or a chore; it’s a heartfelt response to God’s love and wisdom. When we meditate on scripture regularly, it shapes our thoughts, decisions, and character. Here are some practical ways to embrace this path: Set aside daily time for scripture reading and reflection. Even five minutes can make a difference. Memorise verses that speak to your current challenges or joys. This helps keep God’s word close to your heart. Join a Bible study group or listen to sermons that unpack scripture thoughtfully. Community can encourage and deepen your understanding. By choosing this path, we align ourselves with God’s design for flourishing, just like the Psalm describes. The Contrast Between the Righteous and the Wicked One of the most striking features of Psalm One is the clear contrast it draws between the righteous and the wicked. The righteous are like trees planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in season and prospering in all they do. The wicked, however, are like chaff that the wind blows away. This metaphor invites us to reflect on our own lives. Are we rooted deeply in God’s word and grace, or are we drifting like chaff, vulnerable to every passing influence? The Psalm doesn’t leave us in ambiguity; it shows the consequences of our choices. This contrast also reminds me of the importance of community and environment. Just as a tree needs good soil and water, we need supportive relationships and spiritual nourishment. Surrounding ourselves with people who encourage faith and godliness can help us stay rooted. To cultivate this rootedness: Evaluate your daily habits and influences. Are they helping you grow spiritually? Seek out mentors or friends who inspire you to live righteously. Pray for strength to resist negative influences and to remain steadfast. The Psalm’s imagery is a gentle but firm call to live intentionally, choosing the path that leads to life and blessing. How Psalm One Sermons Teach Us to Meditate on Scripture Meditation is a word that sometimes feels mysterious or intimidating. But Psalm One makes it clear that meditation on God’s law is a joyful, ongoing practice. It’s not about empty repetition but about letting scripture soak into our hearts and minds. When I listen to psalm one sermons teachings, I’m reminded that meditation can take many forms: Quiet reflection: Sitting in stillness and pondering a verse or passage. Journaling: Writing down thoughts, prayers, or insights sparked by scripture. Memorisation: Repeating verses until they become part of your inner dialogue. Discussion: Talking about scripture with others to gain new perspectives. Meditation helps us internalise God’s word so that it shapes our attitudes and actions naturally. It’s like planting seeds that grow into strong roots, enabling us to withstand life’s storms. Try this simple meditation exercise: Choose a verse from Psalm One, such as “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” Read it slowly several times. Ask yourself what this verse means for your life today. Pray and listen for God’s guidance. This practice can transform your relationship with scripture from something you read to something that lives within you. Living the Blessed Life: Practical Guidance from Psalm One Psalm One doesn’t just describe the blessed life; it points us toward how to live it. The blessings come from delighting in God’s word, avoiding harmful influences, and staying rooted in faith. But what does this look like day-to-day? Here are some actionable steps inspired by Psalm One sermons: Guard your heart and mind. Be mindful of what you watch, listen to, and read. Choose content that uplifts and encourages. Cultivate gratitude. Regularly thank God for His word and the ways it guides you. Serve others. A life rooted in God’s love naturally flows into acts of kindness and service. Stay consistent. Spiritual growth is a journey, not a sprint. Keep returning to scripture and prayer, even when it feels challenging. Remember, the Psalm’s promise is not just for ancient times but for us today. When we live according to these principles, we experience a deep, lasting joy and peace. Walking the Path with Confidence and Hope As I reflect on Psalm One, I’m encouraged by the confidence it offers. The righteous person is secure, like a tree that cannot be shaken. This security comes from a relationship with God, nurtured by His word. If you ever feel uncertain or overwhelmed, Psalm One reminds you that there is a firm foundation available. You don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone. God’s word is a steady stream that nourishes and sustains. So, what’s your next step? How will you choose to walk this path today? Maybe it’s starting a new habit of daily scripture reading, or perhaps it’s reaching out to a friend for spiritual encouragement. Whatever it is, know that each step toward God’s word is a step toward flourishing. Let Psalm One be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path, guiding you into a life of blessing and purpose. I hope these reflections on Psalm One sermons inspire you to dive deeper into scripture and embrace the rich life God offers. Remember, the journey is personal but never solitary - God walks with you every step of the way.

When I first dove into Psalm One, I was struck by its simplicity and depth. It’s like a gentle invitation to a path of wisdom and joy, wrapped in just six verses. Have you ever felt that a single chapter could change the way you approach your entire Bible study? Psalm One has that power. It’s a perfect starting point for anyone wanting to deepen their connection with God and understand the foundation of a godly life. Let’s explore together how you can incorporate Psalm One into your Bible studies in a way that feels personal, practical, and uplifting. Why Choose Psalm One for Bible Study with Psalms? Psalm One is a gateway. It sets the tone for the entire Book of Psalms by contrasting the life of the righteous with that of the wicked. This contrast isn’t just black and white; it’s a vivid picture of choices we face every day. When you study this psalm, you’re not just reading words on a page. You’re stepping into a conversation about where you want your roots to grow. What makes Psalm One so special for Bible study with psalms is its focus on delighting in God’s law. It’s not about legalism or rules but about finding joy and nourishment in God’s word. This psalm encourages us to meditate on scripture day and night, which is a beautiful rhythm to build into your daily life. Here’s a simple way to start: Read Psalm One slowly and aloud. Reflect on the imagery of the tree planted by streams of water. Ask yourself: Where are my roots? What nourishes my soul? This approach helps you connect emotionally and spiritually with the text, making your study more than just intellectual. Practical Ways to Incorporate Psalm One into Your Bible Study Routine Incorporating Psalm One into your Bible study doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about creating space for God’s word to shape your heart and mind. Here are some practical steps I’ve found helpful: Begin Each Study Session with Psalm One Use it as a grounding verse. Read it aloud, then pause to breathe and invite God’s presence. Memorise Key Verses Verses 2 and 3 are especially powerful: “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season.” Carry these words with you throughout the day. Journal Your Reflections Write down what it means to delight in God’s law. How does meditation on scripture influence your daily decisions? Use Psalm One as a Lens for Other Psalms When you read other psalms, ask: How does this psalm reflect the life of the righteous or the wicked as described in Psalm One? Discuss with Others Share your insights in a small group or with a friend. Sometimes, hearing different perspectives can deepen your understanding. By weaving Psalm One into your study habits, you create a rhythm that nurtures spiritual growth and resilience. Exploring the Themes of Psalm One in Depth Psalm One is rich with themes that resonate deeply with our spiritual journey. Let’s unpack a few of them: Delight in God’s Law This isn’t about obligation but joy. Imagine a child eagerly opening a gift. That’s the kind of delight Psalm One invites us to have toward God’s word. It’s a source of life and guidance, not a burden. Meditation as a Lifestyle Meditating day and night suggests a continuous, gentle focus on God’s truth. It’s like a stream that never stops flowing, refreshing the soul constantly. The Contrast Between the Righteous and the Wicked The psalm paints two vivid pictures: the flourishing tree and the chaff blown away by the wind. This metaphor invites us to consider where we stand and where we want to be rooted. Fruitfulness and Stability The tree planted by streams of water is stable, nourished, and fruitful. This image encourages us to seek a life deeply connected to God, producing good fruit in every season. Reflecting on these themes can transform your Bible study from a routine into a journey of discovery and transformation. How to Use Psalm One in Group Bible Studies Group studies offer a wonderful opportunity to explore Psalm One together. Here are some ideas to make your group sessions engaging and meaningful: Start with a Reading and Reflection Have someone read Psalm One aloud. Then, invite everyone to share what stands out to them. Break into Small Groups Discuss questions like: - What does it mean to delight in God’s law? - How can we meditate on scripture day and night in practical ways? - What are some “chaff” things we need to let go of? Creative Activities Encourage the group to create art, poetry, or music inspired by Psalm One. This can help internalise the message in a fresh way. Prayer Focus Close with prayers asking God to help each person be like the tree planted by streams of water. Using Psalm One in group settings can deepen relationships and encourage mutual growth in faith. Bringing Psalm One into Everyday Life The beauty of Psalm One is that it’s not just for study—it’s for living. How can you carry its message into your daily routine? Morning Meditation Start your day by reading Psalm One and setting an intention to delight in God’s word throughout the day. Mindful Moments When stress or distractions come, pause and picture the tree by the water. Let that image remind you of God’s sustaining presence. Evening Reflection Before bed, reflect on how you meditated on scripture or lived out its truths during the day. Encourage Others Share verses from Psalm One with friends or family who might need encouragement. Incorporating these small habits can make a big difference in your spiritual health and joy. If you want to explore more about how to teach or preach on this psalm, you might find psalm one sermons bible study a helpful resource. It offers inspiring messages that can enrich your understanding and application of this beautiful chapter. Growing Deeper in Faith with Psalm One Psalm One is a gentle guide, inviting us to choose life, joy, and wisdom through God’s word. It reminds me that spiritual growth is like planting a tree - it takes time, care, and the right environment. But the fruit it bears is worth every effort. As you continue your Bible study with psalms, let Psalm One be your anchor. Return to it often. Let it shape your heart and mind. And watch how your roots grow deep, steady, and fruitful in God’s love. May your journey with Psalm One be filled with discovery, peace, and abundant blessings.

When it comes to nurturing our spiritual journey, finding the right resources can feel like searching for a hidden treasure. Among the many gems available, psalm sermon podcasts stand out as a gentle guide, offering wisdom and encouragement straight from the heart of scripture. These podcasts invite us to pause, reflect, and deepen our understanding of God’s word in a way that feels personal and uplifting. Listening to sermons on the Psalms, especially Psalm One, can be like sitting beside a wise friend who gently points us toward a life rooted in faith and joy. But with so many options out there, where do you start? Let me walk you through some of the top podcasts that beautifully feature Psalm One sermons, helping you grow closer to God and enrich your daily walk. Why Psalm Sermon Podcasts Are a Spiritual Lifeline Have you ever felt the need for a moment of calm in the chaos? Psalm One offers a powerful metaphor for a life that flourishes when rooted in God’s word. Podcasts that focus on this psalm provide more than just sermons; they offer a spiritual lifeline. They remind us that delighting in scripture is not just an act of reading but a way of living. These podcasts often break down the psalm’s rich imagery - the tree planted by streams of water, the contrast between the righteous and the wicked - making it accessible and relevant. They invite us to reflect on questions like: How can I be like that tree? What does it mean to meditate on God’s law day and night? By tuning in regularly, you create a rhythm of spiritual nourishment. It’s like watering your soul, helping you grow stronger in faith and resilience. Top Psalm Sermon Podcasts to Enrich Your Faith Here are some standout podcasts that feature inspiring sermons on Psalm One. Each offers a unique voice and perspective, but all share a common goal: to help you deepen your relationship with God through scripture. 1. Rooted in the Word This podcast takes a deep dive into the Psalms, with episodes dedicated to unpacking Psalm One’s themes. The host’s warm, conversational style makes complex ideas feel simple and inviting. You’ll find practical applications for daily life, encouraging you to live out the psalm’s wisdom in tangible ways. 2. Streams of Living Water Focused on spiritual growth, this podcast beautifully connects Psalm One’s imagery with everyday challenges. The sermons are rich with biblical insight and personal stories that resonate deeply. It’s like having a spiritual mentor guiding you through the ups and downs of life. 3. The Blessed Path Here, the emphasis is on meditation and prayer inspired by Psalm One. The episodes often include reflective pauses and guided prayers, helping you internalise the message. It’s perfect for those who want to slow down and truly absorb the psalm’s life-giving truths. 4. Faith Flourish Faith Flourish offers a fresh take on Psalm One, blending traditional teaching with contemporary examples. The sermons are uplifting and sincere, encouraging listeners to embrace a lifestyle rooted in God’s word. It’s a podcast that feels like a warm embrace on a tough day. 5. The Psalm One Sermons Podcast Last but not least, the psalm one sermons podcast is a dedicated resource that focuses exclusively on Psalm One and related themes. It’s a treasure trove of inspiring messages designed to help you grow spiritually and find joy in God’s promises. How to Make the Most of Psalm Sermon Podcasts Listening is just the beginning. To truly benefit from these sermons, try these practical steps: Set a regular time: Whether it’s during your morning coffee or evening wind-down, consistency helps build a habit. Take notes: Jot down key points or verses that speak to you. This makes the message stick and gives you something to revisit. Reflect and apply: Ask yourself how the sermon challenges or encourages you. What changes can you make in your daily life? Share with others: Discussing what you’ve learned with friends or a study group can deepen your understanding and create community. Pray along: Use the sermons as a springboard for your own prayers, asking God to help you live out the truths you hear. Embracing the Journey of Spiritual Growth Listening to psalm sermon podcasts is more than just consuming content. It’s an invitation to embark on a journey - one where your roots grow deep in God’s word, and your life begins to bear fruit. Psalm One reminds us that delighting in scripture is the key to flourishing, even when life feels uncertain. So, why not take a moment today to explore one of these podcasts? Let the words wash over you like refreshing streams, nourishing your soul and guiding your steps. Remember, every great tree started as a small seed. Your spiritual growth begins with a single step - or in this case, a single listen. May these podcasts inspire you, uplift you, and draw you ever closer to the heart of God. Happy listening and may your faith flourish like a tree planted by streams of water.