The Landmark of Scripture

 Temple Baptist Church - 1-28-2024

Genesis 3:1-4; 2 Timothy 3:13-17

Introduction:

A.  Last week, we saw the necessity of spiritual “landmarks” that define all that we believe.  Once again, a “landmark” defines a boundary and is a point from whence all other points can be measured.  It is to be both stationary and unchanging!

 

1.  If these “landmarks” are removed, we will soon find ourselves drifting from the spiritual truths that we once held dear.  Today’s denominations have drifted far from the “moorings” of their founder’s intentions.  Most denominations were started by godly men who revered and feared the Lord while remaining true to the Word of God.

 

2.  If these “landmarks” are removed, these spiritual truths that we once held dear will not be known by our posterity.  Today’s children are a lost generation!  With little or no values, either spiritual or moral—the have become the children of apostasy!

 

B.  Eleven times in the first two chapters of Genesis it is recorded that “God said.”  The first times that what God had said was recorded.  What God commanded was done and stood fast.

 

C.  In chapter 3, we find the first mention of something questioning what “God said.” It was satanic in nature so to question what God has said is both evil and devastating to mankind.

 

D.  The first attack upon a scriptural “landmark” is found in our text as Satan questioned the Word of God thus deceiving Eve and causing Adam to fall. 

 

E.  I am preaching on the Landmark of Scripture first because of its importance.  Our Bible is the foundation upon which our faith stands.  Not upon the original manuscripts because we have never seen one much less owned one.  Not upon men who are quick to generate doubt and then constantly change their theology.  Our Foundation is the Bible that we hold in our hands this morning.

 

F.  Our text, found in 2 Timothy, tells us all that we need to know about God’s Word.

 

1.  The Word of God is inspired.  Verse 15-16.  Paul is speaking of the scriptures that Timothy had, not original autographs.  What Timothy had was called “holy scriptures.”  The Word of God declares that what Timothy held was “given by inspiration of God.”

 

2.  The Word of God is profitable.  Verse 16.  If the intent of verse 16 was to show that the original autographs were inspired, then—because Timothy did not have one—then Timothy could not profit from what he did not have.  The Bible is profitable doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness.

 

3.  The Word of God is perfecting.  Verse 17.  It will “throughly furnish” God’s men and God’s people.  (Throughly furnished means to fully equip or to complete – the Bible is all you need!).

 

G.  I will stop with that because, if you do not believe that “all scripture” refers to “all scripture,” then nothing else that I have to say will convince you.

 

H.  The Bible is the foundation for our faith and the practice of our faith.  It is the ABSOLUTE FINAL AUTHORITY!

 

Psalms 11:3  If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?  (The answer to this question is understood: WE CAN DO NOTHING!  If the Bible errs, then all that we know and believe becomes unsure.  If the Bible errs, then our authority must be shifted to those who translate and re-interpret.  To those who know where every error occurs and can “straighten us out?”  I THINK NOT!)

 

J.  The Bible is THE FINAL AUTHORITY FOR FAITH AND PRACTICE!  The Bible is not a man book, it is a God Book.  The Bible is our Foundation!

 

1.  In The Landmark of Scripture We Find Our Sovereign God.  Genesis 1:1  In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.  (He is, He was, and He will forever be the Creator and Owner of the universe.)

 

2.  In The Landmark of Scripture We Find Our Sinfulness - Romans 5:12  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:  (From Adam to Self, the Bible is clear on the matter of sinfulness.)

 

3.  In The Landmark of Scripture We Find Our Saviour - Psalms 40:7  Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, (All we need to know about God’s gift of His Son, Jesus Christ is found there.)

 

4.  In The Landmark of Scripture We Find Our Salvation - Romans 10:17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Saving faith is found in the Bible through repentance and belief.)

 

5. In The Landmark of Scripture We Find Our Security - John 10:27-28  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.  (Salvation is eternal life.)

 

6.  In The Landmark of Scripture We Find Our Satisfaction - Job 23:12  Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.  (How sweet to the taste is the Word of God.)

 

7.  In The Landmark of Scripture We Find Our Stability - 2 Timothy 3:16-17  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  (17)  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.  (In the Bible, we have all that we need to be saved and to live for Christ in this life.)

 

8.  In The Landmark of Scripture We Find Our Surety - Revelation 22:20-21  He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.  (21)  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. (Our Lord is coming, we are leaving, and everything will be alright.)

Dusty Feet or a Dirty Heart

 Temple Baptist Church - 1-24-2024

John 13:1-12

 

Introduction:

 

A.  I am spending quite a bit of time in this context because of the several spiritual truths found here.  Why did our Lord, just prior to His death, burial, and resurrection, wash the feet of His disciples.

 

1.  It was an act of Love.  Verse 1. “having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. “    When I think of the love of Christ for His people and church, I still stand amazed.  A song says, “That God should love a sinner such as I, how wonderful is that love.”

 

John 15:11-13  These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.  (12)  This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.  (13)  Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

 

2.  It was an act of Humility.  Verse 4.  “He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.”  That Almighty Jehovah God, Who had never bowed to anyone of anything, would take His place at the feet of the disciples as did the lowest servant of a household.

 

Philippians 2:5-8  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  (6)  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  (7)  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:  (8)  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

 

3.  It was an act of Service.  Verse 5. “After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash”

 

John 13:14-16  If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.  (15)  For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.  (16)  Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

 

Galatians 5:13  For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

 

4.  It was as act of Selection.  Verse 5. “and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. “ He only washed their feet.

 

1 John 2:1  My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

 

B.  Again, so as not to become confused or taught wrong, we need to understand that foot washing was not a command for the local New Testament Church, it was a figure or type to be followed.  It was a type of spiritual cleansing.  Verse 10.  “Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean”

 

1.  Foot washing was a part of the daily life of people in the times of Christ as they wore sandals and walked virtually everywhere they went.  The lowest servant in the house was required to do the foot washing.  He was not asked but commanded to wash feet. 

 

2.  Our Lord was not commanded to wash feet; He was not obligated to wash feet; it was an act of His marvelous love for His own.  “having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. “

 

C.  Our Lord used Peter, the perfect example of the child of God in need of cleansing.  I also want to give Peter a break!  He catches so much flack because of his often-overzealous fervency.

 

1.  I love old Peter and wish that I could be 1/10^th of the Christian that he was.  He loved his Lord and Saviour.  He was fervent in his passion for the Lord and things of God.

 

2.  This night, Peter knew that the Lord was his Saviour—God in the flesh, as well as Israel’s Messiah—their Deliverer.

 

3.  Peter understood what John the Baptist had said about the Lord and also knew that John was the greatest prophet ever born of woman.  If such a great man as John the Baptist felt unworthy, we should all think that way.

 

Mark 1:7  And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.

 

4.  I hope that I would have done as Peter did!  What Peter did, he did 100%. Peter loved the Lord with all his heart and knew that he was unworthy to even bow at the feet of Jesus and unlatch His shoes.  Do not look down on what Peter did because, at this point, he did not know what Jesus was doing.

 

John 13:7  Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

 

5.  Our Lord gently rebuked Peter and Peter went 100% in the opposite direction.  Peter should have been used to this by this time.

 

a)  In Matthew, chapter 16, Peter rebuked the Lord when He said that he would have to die. 

 

Matthew 16:21-23  From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.  (22)  Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.  (23)  But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.  (Christ had to die for the sin of the world as there was no other way of salvation.)

 

b)  On the Mount of Transfiguration when Peter “wist not” what to say and SAID he would make three tabernacles: one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elias.

 

Matthew 17:4-6  Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.  (5)  While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.  (6)  And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.

 

c)  Paul would later rebuke Peter in the Book of Acts for disassembling from the Gentiles when the Jews showed up.

 

Galatians 2:11-13  But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.  (12)  For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.  (13)  And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.

 

d)  In our text, Peter once again spoke before he listened, and the Lord gently rebuked him.

 

John 13:6-9  Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?  (7)  Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.  (8)  Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.  (9)  Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.

 

John 13:9-10  Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.  (10)  Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

 

D.  Now, I want to look at the 4^th aspect of foot washing as a very precious and important truth lies herein.  Look at the words of our Lord. 

 

John 13:10  Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

 

1.  “He that is washed!”  This washing speaks of salvation.  If you are washed (saved), you have no need to be washed again.  Back in the day, we would call this washing an all-over bath! 

 

1 Corinthians 6:9-11  Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,  (10)  Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.  (11)  And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

 

2.  Only the feet of the saved become dirty or dusty as we walk through this sinful world.  I hate it that my feet are defiled in this present evil world but am so glad that I can still get them cleaned for me.

 

1 John 1:9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

 

a)  Positionally, the believer is eternally saved by grace and grace alone.

 

John 5:24  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

 

John 10:28  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

 

b)  Practically, the believer is still sinners kept by the grace of God.

 

1 John 1:8,10  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us ...  (10)  If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

 

3.  Now, let us look at these verses 10-11.

 

John 13:10-11  Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.  (11)  For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.

 

a)  Not all of the disciples were saved!  Judas Iscariot as a religious man but not a saved one.  He did not lose his salvation because he never had been saved.

 

John 6:70-71  Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?  (71)  He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

 

John 12:4-6  Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,  (5)  Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?  (6)  This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.

 

John 13:2  And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;

 

b)  Judas Iscariot had never had that “all over bath” that comes with salvation and therefore was not clean!

 

E.  There will be times when the dust and dirt of this world will cling to our “feet” as we walk through life. 

 

1.  I do not like to sin; I do not want to sin; I am disappointed when I sin; I am ashamed when I do sin; but I thank God I am not lost when I sin! 

 

2.  God convicts me of my sin and I have probably almost word out 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. “

 

3.  The Lord still “washes our feet” that we may be clean in every way. 

 

F.  One day, we will have a heavenly body to walk on a “new earth” where no sin is and our feet will never become dusty or dirty again.  If you have never been washed in the blood of Jesus Christ, you need an all over bath of salvation.

The Word of God and Discouragement

 Temple Baptist Church - 1-21-2024

Psalm 119:25-32

 

Introduction:  DALETH – an opening or a door.  Something that can keep us in or through which we can go out.  This Hebrew letter shows us choice!  The 3^rd stanza spoke of how to have a happy life.  When we are not happy, we become depressed, and depression leads to discouragement.  The Value of Prayer.

 

A.  This 4^th stanza of Psalm 119 begins with the words “My soul cleaveth unto the dust.” 

 

1.  These words set the tone for the next verses.  Here we find the child of God in a very low time in life.  Though not the will of God, we all feel this way on hopefully rare occasions.

 

2.  These verses were inspired so as to help those who live in our day.

 

1 Corinthians 10:11  Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

 

B.  Therefore, I feel the need in my introduction of the stanza to break these 6 words down so that we understand where the Psalmist is and why he will remain there without spiritual help from God’s Word.

 

1.  “My” – This condition is Personal.  When you are down in the dumps, the bottom of the pit of despair, it is based upon something that you did soul, not something that someone else did.

 

Philippians 4:4  Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

 

2.  “soul” – This condition is not a physical problem but a spiritual one.  The soul is who we are.  It has to do with the psychological instead of the Physiological.  How we feel or think about something. 

 

Proverbs 23:7  For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

 

3.  “Cleaveth” – This condition is intentional.  The word “cleaveth” means to cling or adhere to something. 

 

First Mention: Genesis 2:24  Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. 

 

Some people just love to be down.  There is an old saying: “It worries them if they don’t have anything to worry about!”  BE CAREFUL.  I often say to not become a victim for, if you do, you can blame everything and everybody for your condition instead of climbing out.  Illustration:

 

Philippians 4:6-7  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  (7)  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

4.  “unto the dust” – prostrate or lying face down in the dirt is a dirty place to find oneself, as  it is as low as one can get. 

 

I heard the story of a man who once dug a very dip pit and attempted to bury his old mule alive.  After shoving the mule into the hole, the man began to shovel in dirt to bury the mule.  As the dirt fell to the bottom of the pit, the mule began to trample it down and eventually the mule just walked out.  Thus, it is with us, as the dirt keeps piling up in the hole, just trample it down and look up.  Soon, you will be free and walk away.

 

5.  “Dust” – A place that is precarious.  Nothing good will ever come out of being down in the dump.  It is a place of spiritual resignation which brings about a complete loss of usefulness and worship. 

 

C.  “My soul cleaveth unto the dust is not the will of God for the believer.  Not now and not ever!  As being down in the dumps is an act of personal will, so is being encouraged.

 

Acts 26:1-2  Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:  (2)  I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:

 

Hebrews 10:24-25  And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: (25) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

 

2 Peter 1:3  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

 

D.  We may all get that way occasionally but cleaving unto the dust is a personal choice that keeps us that way.  The bottom of the pit of self-pity! Victimization becomes the catalyst that keeps them there.  Why me, Lord?

 

E.  Though there is no Scriptural excuse for discouragement, we all suffer it at times as our world in which we live is a discouragement.

 

1.  Wrong is now right, and right is now wrong.

 

2.  Common sense has been replaced with socialism and humanistic ways of thinking.

 

3.  Injustice rules over Justice and bad things happen to good people while the wicked seem to prosper.

 

F.  Three times in two consecutive Psalms we find these words:  “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. (Psalms 42:5,11, and 43:5)

 

G.  When in this condition, you do not need a Psychiatrist, or a Psychologist.  It is here that we need help from the Lord.  The Holy Ghost working through the Bible.

 

1.  Verse 25.  The Recognition of Discouragement and The Value of Prayer.  We need both go to God in prayer and also to be honest with God in prayer. 

 

a.  God’s people face the enemy of discouragement!  It is a real problem because we are imperfect people living in a wicked, ungodly world where right is wrong, wrong is right, bad is good and good is bad!  That is enough to discourage the best and toughest of God’s people.

 

b.  Though God already knows, we must learn to identify the symptoms while honestly telling Him where we are and what we desire. 

 

c. There are also many who are good with being down in the dumps and willfully remain in such a state.  The Psalmist is not only honest with God, but he also desires to rise from the death of sorrow to a life of usefulness. 

 

Psalms 143:11  Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.

 

d.  We find life again through the Word of God.  “Quicken” – to be or to become alive.  Make me alive in encouragement again.  “Wilt thou not revive us again and again and again!  Discouragement is a persistent problem!

 

Psalms 85:6  Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?

 

2.  Verse 26.  I have recognized and declared my ways.  Teach me Thy Way. 

 

a.  Here we find both recognition and responsibility.  The Psalmist takes personal responsibility for the plight and asks the Lord to teach him the right way. 

 

b.  There are times when we know how to get ourselves out of the dumps of depression, but there are other times when we need help that is found in God’s Statutes.

 

1 Kings 8:35-36  When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou afflictest them:  (36)  Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, that thou teach them the good way wherein they should walk, and give rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance.

 

3.  Verse 27.  Give me understanding and a path to follow.  Follow God’s Word and Way. 

 

a.  Personal revival, and that is what is found here, must be done in a godly, biblical way. 

 

Job 23:10-11  But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.  (11)  My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.

 

b.  Too often, God’s people want out of trouble but seek the easiest path which will not do the job.  God’s way may not be the easiest path out of trouble, but it will be the right path. 

 

c.  When we get victory, we can then teach others.

 

Psalms 51:12-13  Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.  (13)  Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

 

Luke 22:31-32  And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:  (32)  But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

 

4.  Verse 28.  The Psalmist is “burnt out”.  When a candle burns, the wax melts and runs down, becoming useless. 

 

a.  Burnt Out Syndrome.  A time when we feel that we are worn out, “stick a fork in me because I am done”.  The Psalmist soul has melted under the heaviness of his situation.  It is a time when most people quit on God! 

 

b.  Someone once said, “I had rather burn out than rust out.”  That sounds real spiritual doesn’t it?  It is not because either way, you are “OUT”!  We have no right to be out and, also, there is no need to be out.  God made us to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 

 

2 Timothy 2:3  Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

 

c.  When we come to the end of our strength, it is THEN that we find His!.

 

2 Corinthians 12:9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

 

5.  Verses 29-30.  Living a lie!  We all believe that God can do anything at any time in any place. 

 

a.  When we live a life that is defeated and give into the discouragement that goes along with it, we live contrary to what the Bible tells us that we should and can live.  We deny what we believe.

 

b.  Give me the grace to accept the truth that is laid before me.  There is forgiveness found in God’s graciousness in the Law.  Get right, get up, and get going! 

 

c.  The availability of the truth is laid before us tonight.  I hope that you are holding your Bibles in your hands.

 

6.  Verses 31-32.  In these last two verses of this stanza, we find the answer to discouragement.

 

a.  Stick with the Word of God and you will not bring shame on self or the Lord.  As you cleaved to the dust, cleave to the Word of Truth.

 

b.  RUN the way.  The Bible encourages us to flee sin and run the way of God.  Paul said that we were to run our race, not walk it.  THEN, God will enlarge our hearts.  Physically, an enlarged heart is problematic, but spiritually an enlarged heart is a strengthened one.

 

c.  The greatest battlefield in the world is 5-6 inches wide and 5-6 inches long.  It is the size of your brain.  If we lose the battles there, we lose; if we win the battles there, we win!

 

Conclusion:  We need constant revival: to revitalize or make alive again.  The word “again” in Psalm 85:6 is a “rolling” word: again and again and again and again.  As many times as needed!

 

Psalms 85:6-8  Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?  (7)  Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation.  (8)  I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.