Restore Our Fortunes, O Lord!

Psalm 126

Sermon Notes:

1) The great things He has done | 1-3

2) The gladness we have | 3

3) The restoration we seek | 4-6

Reflection Questions:

1. “The Lord has done great things for us.” (v3) What great things has the Lord done for you?

2. “We are glad.” (v3) Does joy (and gladness) characterize your life as much as the Bible suggests it should? See 1 Thess. 5:16-18. What can you do to cultivate joy in your life, while still leaving room for Biblical lament?

3. “Restore our fortunes, O Lord!” (v4) Are your prayers as bold as this one? Can you be bold in prayer while still holding your earthly wishes loosely, accepting whatever outcome God sends?

Expecting Great Things from God in Uncertain Times

Heb 10:21-25; 2 Tim 2:1-2; Titus 2:1-5; Eph 3:20-21

Sermon Notes

What is our mission at Forestgate?

1) Exalting … the Lord through Joyful Biblical worship – (REACHING UP) – Heb 10:21-25

2) Encouraging … each other to love and good deeds – (REACHING IN) – Heb. 10:21-25

3) Equipping … each other for service in the church and in the kingdom – (REACHING DOWN) – 2 Tim. 2:1-2 (Titus 2:1-5)

4) Engaging … the culture around us (REACHING OUT) – 2 Tim. 2:2; Acts 12:25 – 13:4

5) Expecting Great Things from God, Eph 3:20-21

Reflection questions:

1. Have you prayed about how you can serve some of our high-risk members of our congregation at this time?

2. Have you prayed about how to better engage with your small group/Bible study/community group at this time? If you’re not in a group, what might be the benefits of being in one? (Also, reach out to the staff or elders if you’re not in a group but want to be in one.)

3. Are you expecting great things from God this year? Have you been tempted to despair about your circumstances? What great things for God do you think He wants you to attempt next?