Confirmation May 4, 2008

Psalm 106:1

Introduction: Hanging on a cross suspended between earth and heaven Jesus said, "Father, forgive them. Because they do not know what they are doing". (Luke 23:34) The verse you have selected is Psalm 106: I “O give thanks unto the Lord for He is good and His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 106 takes up where the second part of Psalm 105 ends. It is a prayer that God would forgive all the bad things that His people had done. "Forgive" simple means "do not remember the bad things that we have done". This forgiveness is only possible because of what Jesus did. He suffered and died to take away those bad things, or as we call them - our sins. He said those words, "Father, forgive them", while the Roman soldiers were crucifying and killing Him. Thus with the Psalmist we can give thanks to God for the blessings He offers.

I. O give thanks unto the Lord

A. There are plenty of blessings.

1. The way He has shaped your life this far

2. His promise to direct your future as He has the past. The hymn Be Still My Soul reminds us of this truth. “Your hope, your confidence let nothing shake; All now mysterious shall be bright at last…”

B. They come from a gracious heavenly Father.

1. Who knows your needs; every single one of them.

2. He will Shepherd you. You are a sheep of His fold a lamb of His flock, a sinner of His own redeeming.

II. For He is good

A. This is His essence.

1. He is a God without sin. He is perfect and holy. “Then the Lord spoke to Moses saying, ‘Speak to all the congregation of the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord, your God am holy.’ – Leviticus 19:1-9

2. He is a God of faithfulness. He is impartial. “The Rock! His work is perfect for all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice. Righteous and upright is He.” –Deuteronomy 32:4

3. He is a God of honesty. He keeps His word. “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.” – 2 Timothy 2:13

B. His goodness does not depend on our circumstances.

1. This is good for us. Our sin tends to mess things up. This is why we flee for refuge and the Lord’s infinite mercy seeking and imploring His grace for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. He is more powerful than any issue we will ever have. Trust in Him. Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:7

III His mercy endures forever

A. Mercy is the expression of His compassion and pity.

1. If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not
is not in us. – 1 John 1:8

2. But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9

B. Demonstrated to us at the cross and empty tomb.

1. God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. - 2 Corinthians 5:19

2. Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." – John 20:21-23

C. Will continue as He shapes, molds, and directs your life.

1. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. – 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

2. This is why we pray with the Psalmist; “Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me. Evening and morning and noon I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice. Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.” – Psalm 55:1-2a, 17, and 22.

Conclusion: Confirmation is not graduation. There is a LOT more living you will do. Yet know this for certain this day – He walks with you. Therefore it is my prayer for you this day; remember the things which were taught you cling to that which is good and know that the Savior walks with you each day of your life. Fare thee well child of God, fare thee well.

+ Soli Deo Gloria +