Title: Psalm 96
---
Psalm 96
Oh sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth!
Sing to the LORD, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;
he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts!
Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth!
Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity.”
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
before the LORD, for he comes,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness,
and the peoples in his faithfulness. (ESV)
---
In his sermon on Psalm 96, Jed Gillis explores the call to worship and declare God's glory. The psalm encourages believers to sing a new song to the Lord, emphasizing that worship should be a daily act of proclaiming God's salvation and marvelous works. Gillis stresses that acknowledging God’s greatness is not just an internal act but a public declaration among all nations. He draws a clear distinction between the true God who created the heavens and the worthless idols worshipped by others.
Gillis highlights several key themes in the psalm: God's splendor, majesty, strength, and beauty. He notes that where God dwells, these attributes are overwhelmingly present. The sermon also addresses the idea of ascribing glory due to God's name, calling for worship that recognizes His holiness and justice. This involves not only personal reverence but also inviting others to join in glorifying God.
Furthermore, Gillis underscores the importance of joy in worship. Singing to the Lord with exuberance reflects both individual and communal strength. This joy persists even through sorrow, aligning with Paul's concept of being "sorrowful yet always rejoicing." Ultimately, Gillis calls for believers to live out their faith by declaring God's worth across all cultures and contexts, ensuring that His glory is recognized universally.
Psalm 96 serves as a powerful reminder to worship God with joy and declare His glory among all people. It challenges believers to make their praise public, recognizing God's unmatched worth and inviting others into this joyous acknowledgment.
---
Berean Bible Church is a non-denominational church in East Knoxville, TN. We are grounded in the Word, celebrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Our community thrives on worship and mutual encouragement, fostering deep connections among members. Committed to our mission, we reach out with compassion and hope, reflecting God's glory throughout our city and beyond.
Learn more at berean.church.
