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David often was in "dire straits.“ Many sought to kill him, from King Saul to his own son Absalom Psalm 11 provides great encouragement to those surrounded by enemies and wickedness!. Vs 1-3 David’s Temptation to flee Vs 4 - The Lord Is In His Holy Temple, Vs 5-6 - God Can Be Counted On
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David often was in "dire straits.“ • Many sought to kill him, from King Saul to his own son Absalom • Psalm 11 provides great encouragement to those surrounded by enemies and wickedness! W. 65th St church of Christ - June 18, 2006
Vs 1-3 David’s Temptation to flee • Vs 4 - The Lord Is In His Holy Temple, • Vs 5-6 - God Can Be Counted On • Vs 7 - The Lord Loves Righteousness W. 65th St church of Christ - June 18, 2006
David was advised to give up on the Lord and “flee as a bird” . . . • David rejects their proposal – placing his TRUST in God . . . • What else can the righteous do if the “foundations are destroyed?” W. 65th St church of Christ - June 18, 2006
Proverbs 14:34 (NKJV) Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people. W. 65th St church of Christ - June 18, 2006
BARNES: ‘The word “foundations,” here, refers to those things on which society rests, or by which social order is sustained - the great principles of truth and righteousness that uphold society, as the foundations on which an edifice rests uphold the building. The reference is to a destruction of those things in a community, when truth is no longer respected; when justice is no longer practiced; when fraud and violence have taken the place of honesty and honor; when error prevails; when a character for integrity and virtue affords no longer any security.’ W. 65th St church of Christ - June 18, 2006
Since Darwin, what do MOST people in the world believe regarding how we got here? – • Atheism, Agnosticism, and Humanism • Germany, WWI, Fascism and Hitler's Nazism WW2 • Communism - Humanistic Influence in Psychology • New Age Movement W. 65th St church of Christ - June 18, 2006
Since the “sexual revolution” of the 1960’s? – • Erosion of constitutional right to religious freedoms – • Immorality has become socially acceptable – therefore immorality is all around us! (adultery, fornication, pornography, drunkenness, gambling, homosexuality . . .) • Abortion - Euthanasia W. 65th St church of Christ - June 18, 2006
There are many today ACTIVELY seeking to destroy the “home” as designed by God!! – • Gay marriage . . . ????? • Not taken seriously – divorce is an epidemic!! • We live in a “me first” society!! • Divide & conquer – most homes are seldom together!! What has happened to the “FAMILY!” W. 65th St church of Christ - June 18, 2006
There have ALWAYS been those who have tried to undercut the authority of God? – • Satan – Gen 3:1-4 • Korah, Dathan, & Abiram – Num. 16:1-35 • Scribes & Pharisees – Mat 15:1-9 • Jews – Acts 4:12,19,20; 5:28-32 • Denominationalism – 1 Cor. 1:10 • Liberals today – 2 John 9 W. 65th St church of Christ - June 18, 2006
God STILL reigns, He is STILL in charge . . . • The Lord KNOWS what is going on!! (4) • God does NOT remove all opposition to the righteous . . . “He test the righteous . . .” (Job 1,2; Acts 14:22; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb 11:32-38; 1 Pet 2:20,21 . . .) W. 65th St church of Christ - June 18, 2006
1 Peter 3:14 (NKJV) But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled." W. 65th St church of Christ - June 18, 2006
1 Peter 4:12-16 (NKJV) Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; [13] but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, . . . W. 65th St church of Christ - June 18, 2006
1 Peter 4:12-16 (NKJV) . . . that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. [14] If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. . . . W. 65th St church of Christ - June 18, 2006
1 Peter 4:12-16 (NKJV) . . . On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. [15] But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. [16] Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. W. 65th St church of Christ - June 18, 2006
He promises never to fail nor forsake us - Deut 31:6, 8 Heb 13:5-6 • “God is for us, who can be against us?" Rom 8:31 • God promises salvation for the righteous, & He promises destruction for the wicked, - God will KEEP His promises - 2 Tim 2:11-13; 2 Thes 1:7-9 W. 65th St church of Christ - June 18, 2006
God is “just”- He will do what is right & loves those who practice righteousness!! • Do you hunger & thirst for righteousness? Mat 5:6 • Do you practice righteousness? Acts 10:35; 24:25; 1 John 3:7 • Our righteousness depends upon forgiveness & obedience – Rom 4:5-8; 6:16-18 W. 65th St church of Christ - June 18, 2006