Message Notes

(I) ACADEMIC KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

1. Through Christian Culture

a) Country

b) Traditions

c) School

d) Family

2. Through personal endeavours

a) Academic studies

b) Personal interest

3. Much religious knowledge is possible

a) Sustained personal interest

b) Enjoyment of religious knowledge

(II) PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

1. A significant difference

2. A vital difference

3. Where academic knowledge becomes personal and real

(III) DISCOVERING THE LORD AS A PERSONAL “GOD OF MERCY”

1. Amidst Tough Circumstances of life

a) Enemies

“They lie in wait for my life;
The mighty gather against me”                     Psalm 59:3

b) Dangerous threat posed by enemies

“At evening they return,
They growl like a dog,
They go all round the city.
Indeed, they belch with their mouth;
Swords are in their lips;
For they say, ‘Who hears?’”               Psalm 59:6-7

2. Trust in God severely tested

“Deliver me from my enemies, O my God;
Defend me from those who rise up against me.
Deliver me from the workers of iniquity,
And save me from bloodthirsty men”          Psalm 59:1-2

a) A desperate prayer for defense

b) An urgent cry for deliverance

(IV) STRENGTH THROUGH PERSONALISED KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

“But I will sing of Your power;
Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning;
For You have been my defense
And refuge in the day of my trouble.
To You, O my strength, I will sing praises;
For God is my defense
My God of mercy.”   Psalm 59:16-17

1. Intimations of Wonderful Strength

a) The ability to Sing amidst tribulation

b) The declaration of strength

2. Source of Strength

a) An obvious personal knowledge of God

b) A vital close and living relationship with God

POEM

OUR TIMES ARE IN THY HAND

Our times are in Thy hand;

Father, we wish them there;

Our life, our souls, our all we leave

Entirely to Thy care.

Our times are in Thy hand,

Whatever they may be;

Pleasing or painful, dark or bright;

As best they seem to Thee.

Our times are in Thy hand;

Why should we doubt or fear?

Our Father’s hand will never cause

His child a needless tear.

Our times are in Thy hand,

O Lord, our Advocate!

Nor is that hand outstretched in vain,

For us to supplicate.

Our times are in Thy hand;

We’ll always trust in Thee.

Till we have left this weary land,

And all Thy glory see.

– William F. Lloyd (adapted) –