https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/podcasts/58999/ The newest sermons from Bread of Life Fellowship on SermonAudio. Religion & Spirituality Bread of Life Fellowship http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification https://vps.sermonaudio.com/resize_image/sources/podcast/1440/1440/breadoflife-04.jpg https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/podcasts/58999/ en Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:31:17 +0000 30 Elias Adamo no The newest sermons from Bread of Life Fellowship on SermonAudio. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/119252023222808 After escaping from the Philistine city of Gath, David hid in the cave of Adullam (1 Sam 22:1-2), where he wrote Psalm 57. David was running away and hiding from his enemies. From this cave, David refers to God as his refuge (57:1). God is referred to 21 times by name or pronoun in the Psalm's 11 verses. This God-centered mindset changes the Psalmist's tone from uncertainty to settled praise. There is a change in tone and theme between the two stanzas that has perplexed some scholars seeking a unified theme in the Psalm. Going from the individual plea (vss. 1-4) to an invocation that God would manifest His glory to the whole earth (vss. 9-11), some have proposed that the Psalm is a compilation of two separate compositions. But put together, the two sections present the minutia of individual need in the context of the wider substantial matter of God's glory. When we are experiencing a trial, we can "lose the forest for the trees," by focusing on deliverance from our circumstances, while missing how our trial contributes to the great goal of history – that God might be known and honored. David wants God to be exalted over all the earth, in the way he trusts and praises God in his trials. Psalm 57 shows us that our prayers for deliverance from distress serve a greater end than just a change of circumstance or feeling, but our suffering is ultimately for the glory of God. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/119252023222808 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 26 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:45:36 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/11225197356707 The title of the Psalm tells us that it was written by David, when the Ziphites went and told Saul, "Is not David hiding among us?" This is a reference to events that take place in 1 Samuel 23. The immediate background for Psalm 54 had David inside the walled city of Keilah, which he liberated from the attacking Philistines. Though they benefited from David's protection, the Keilahites considered David a threat to the monarchy and sought to turn him over to Saul. Upon being warned by the Lord, David slipped out of the city, seeking refuge in the wilderness of Ziph. David was unsafe even in this remote inhospitable area as the Ziphites also sought to turn him over to King Saul. The treachery of Doeg the Edomite against David could be expected, but here David finds himself betrayed by his own people – the Jews in Ziph. Having nowhere to turn and hardly anyone he could trust, David turned to the Lord in prayer and wrote a song about it – the words of Psalm 54. This Psalm is for anyone who has felt abandoned, rejected, or publicly denounced by a friend. When one might feel as though, "no one cares," Psalm 54 reveals a God who not only cares but is powerful to deliver His people from their affliction. The Psalm serves as a model prayer: he calls on God to hear his lamentation (2-3); he encourages himself by remembering who God is (4); he makes his request (5); and he offers thanksgiving demonstrating a firm confidence that God would indeed deliver him. Having brought his anxiety to the Lord at the beginning of the Psalm, David is restored to quiet trust and confidence by the end of it. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/11225197356707 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 12 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:33:07 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/915241756252097 The title of Psalm 52 tells us that it was written by David, when Doeg, the Edomite, came and told Saul, 'David has come to the house of Ahimelech.' This is a reference to 1 Samuel 22:6-23, where Saul slaughtered the Israelite priests at Nob by the hand of Doeg the Edomite. This ugly and tragic event prompted David to pen the Psalm. In Psalm 52 David indicates the kind of man Doeg is. In a word, he is bad. Doeg's most destructive weapon was his deceitful tongue. He loves evil more than good, lying and all words that devour (v. 3-4). Doeg's bitter words resulted in his gaining a short-lived opportunity in the eyes of king Saul. But God will have the final word on bad men like Doeg. David declares, God will break you down forever; he will snatch and tear you from your tent; he will uproot you from the land of the living (v. 5-7). Such is the end of Doeg and all who follow in his evil footsteps. In contrast to Doeg (the bad) who is uprooted from the land of the living (v. 5) is David (the good) is like a green olive tree in the house of God (v. 8). While Doeg trusted in the abundance of his riches (v. 7), David trusted in the steadfast love of God (v. 8). Doeg's brief rise to fame followed by sudden destruction is contrasted to David's perseverance and preservation, just like the olive tree, among longest living of the trees in Israel. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/915241756252097 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 15 Sep 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:40:32 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/8262485627303 The title of the 56th Psalm was written by David, "when the Philistines seized him in Gath," a reference to David's flight from Gath (1 Samuel 21:10-15), when he hastily sought refuge in enemy territory while running away from King Saul. Fearing Gath's king Achish, David feigned insanity to escape. Desperation and suffering became the impetus for David to write songs. In addition to Psalm 56, he also composed Psalm 34 under the duress of this same incident. Psalm 56 is divided into two main sections (1-4 and 5-11), each of which concludes with a similar refrain (vss. 4 and 10-11), and a third brief vow of thanksgiving. In the first section (1-4), David's enemies who are oppressing him all day long (1-2), become mere flesh, in verse 4, after he places his trust in God. The second section (5-11) amplifies the first by revealing that indeed mortal flesh can wreak havoc, making David's life miserable. Despite a zealous oppressor's relentless pursuit, David found solace knowing that God took careful account of his suffering and would soon turn away his enemies (8-9). Though they could do great temporal damage to him, David could ultimately trust in his God, Yahweh (10-11). With the breathing room that David's trust afforded him, he offered the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to God who delivered his soul from death (12-13). Psalms like this minister to us as they bear witness to the brutal reality of trials in our life in this fallen world. While not denying the reality of suffering, they also celebrate God who is bigger than our circumstances. Trusting in God, we not only find rest in the promise for eternal life, but also confidence to walk before Him here and now. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/8262485627303 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 25 Aug 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:46:31 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/814242155382326 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/814242155382326 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 30 Jun 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Damien Garofalo 0:42:40 no Damien Garofalo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/5624113076194 From the title of Psalm 59, we learn that the context in which David penned the Psalm was the events of 1 Samuel 19:11-12: Saul sent messengers to David's house to watch him, that he might kill him in the morning. But Michal, David's wife, told him, "If you do not escape with your life tonight, tomorrow you will be killed." So Michal let David down through the window, and he fled away and escaped. Imagine for a moment … Your father-in-law, who is the king, hates you. Though you have done nothing but good for him, he seeks to repay your good with evil; he has already attempted to take your life three times, and he is now sending spies to your home by night, again seeking to kill you … and what do you do? You sit down and write a song about it! What might be considered unusual for most was quite common for David. He found his inspiration amid personal trials and national warfare. Read Psalm 59 with these events in mind. See how the dreadful pursuit of David's life lends the Psalm its urgency (vss. 1-2). Get the guiltlessness expressed in verses 3-4, as you consider David being chased out of the safety of his own home. Observe the scorn toward the stalkers who watch him by night (vss. 6,14). Perceive the passion in his imprecatory prayers to be vindicated (vss. 4-5, 11-13). Encounter the confidence of a man enduring a torrential attack, knowing that he is safely protected by a supernatural power (vss. 9 -10, 16-17). Hear the song's triumphant crescendo, as it extends to, "all the nations" and "the ends of the earth" (vss. 5,8,13). https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/5624113076194 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 05 May 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:50:17 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/10302321811848 Psalm 44 (like 42-43, written by the sons of Korah) begins almost as if the author had been reading the previous two Psalms. Psalm 44 begins with the community doing exactly what the repeated chorus of Psalms 42-43 prescribes: Trusting their downcast soul to God by rehearsing God's sovereign and saving grace in the events of Israel's history. In the Psalm's first eight verses, we are reminded of God's particular love for the nation in the past (vv. 1-3), which is appropriated by His people in the present (vv. 4-8). The mighty acts of God are communicated from one generation to the next so as not to be forgotten. With verse 9 comes a radical shift in both tone and content. In verses 9-16 the Psalmist expresses his bewilderment over the present state of the nation. Notice the repetition of the word "You" in verses 9-14. His pointed language leaves us with no doubt as to the source of the nation's suffering – it is God. Consider how these emphatic statements demonstrate a high and strong view of God. The problem is not a lack of power, but that God is the active force behind the tribulation that has befallen His people. And all of this is despite Israel's faithfulness (vv. 17-22). Like Job, the Psalmist denies any national disloyalty to God (both inward and outward). Finally, in the Psalm's last four verses (23-26) we find a corporate plea for God to wake up from His apparent slumber and to deliver and restore the nation. The Psalm expresses the tension between God's promises and unfailing love and the present experience of suffering. It is meant to encourage faith amid trials, particularly trials that appear random and intense. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/10302321811848 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 29 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:56:30 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/10123233976944 Psalm 27 is the cry of David's heart; he seeks after "one thing" - to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord. God is beautiful! The heart that gazes on God's beauty will find peace, comfort, and joy that lasts. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/10123233976944 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 01 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0000 Damien Garofalo 0:47:14 no Damien Garofalo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/918231130205609 Psalm 44 (like 42-43, written by the sons of Korah) begins almost as if the author had been reading the previous two Psalms. Psalm 44 begins with the community doing exactly what the repeated chorus of Psalms 42-43 prescribes: Trusting their downcast soul to God by rehearsing God's sovereign and saving grace in the events of Israel's history. In the Psalm's first eight verses, we are reminded of God's particular love for the nation in the past (vv. 1-3), which is appropriated by His people in the present (vv. 4-8). The mighty acts of God are communicated from one generation to the next so as not to be forgotten. With verse 9 comes a radical shift in both tone and content. In verses 9-16 the Psalmist expresses his bewilderment over the present state of the nation. Notice the repetition of the word "You" in verses 9-14. His pointed language leaves us with no doubt as to the source of the nation's suffering – it is God. Consider how these emphatic statements demonstrate a high and strong view of God. The problem is not a lack of power, but that God is the active force behind the tribulation that has befallen His people. And all of this is despite Israel's faithfulness (vv. 17-22). Like Job, the Psalmist denies any national disloyalty to God (both inward and outward). Finally, in the Psalm's last four verses (23-26) we find a corporate plea for God to wake up from His apparent slumber and to deliver and restore the nation. The Psalm expresses the tension between God's promises and unfailing love and the present experience of suffering. It is meant to encourage faith amid trials, particularly trials that appear random and intense. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/918231130205609 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 17 Sep 2023 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:52:14 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/82923204671343 The Psalms are hardly ever characterized merely by abstract doctrinal truth but are most often saturated with human emotion and experience. They often intimately describe the struggle of the Psalmist's soul, baring his heart to God, the reader, and even to himself. As such, Psalms have proven to be a great source of encouragement for God's people. As you read Psalm 42, you will scarcely find a better description of a depressed individual. Psalm 42 describes a soul that is in an unhappy condition – what Martyn Lloyd-Jones refers to as "spiritual depression." A depressed Christian may seem like a contradiction of terms, as the fruit of the indwelling Holy Spirit is joy, which intuitively ought to overthrow depression. But a spiritually depressed Christian is real. While depression does not disqualify one from being a true Christian, depressed Christians are, however, missing out on a great deal and are very poor examples of the efficacy of the Gospel in the human life. Psalm 42 contains the remedy to begin to combat spiritual depression in verse 5 (repeated in verse 11). It begins by preaching to oneself: what business is it of yours to be downcast? Instead of being depressed, hope in God! Do you not remember who He is, what He has done, and what He promises to do for you? Is He not my Helper and Rock of my salvation? Why so downcast, O my soul, put your hope in God! https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/82923204671343 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 27 Aug 2023 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:47:03 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/8212328417229 As we read the Psalms, there are essentially three (3) approaches that we ought to consider in seeking to gain the most from the text. (1) We should read the Psalm in its historical Old Testament context (i.e., the author's perspective). The Psalms can be an intensely personal book; so, it is important that we understand the original context before we then (2) read it from a personal perspective, as God speaking to us to apply its words. But it doesn't end there. When reading the Old Testament, it is also important that we do so in light of Jesus's words in Luke 24:44-47 We can read the written words of the Old Testament keeping an eye out for shadows of Christ, his death, and resurrection. Sometimes this will be obvious, as in the case of Psalm 41:9, which Jesus quotes at the Last Supper as having been fulfilled by Judas. A good study of any psalm will utilize all three of these perspectives. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/8212328417229 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 20 Aug 2023 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:49:36 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/73123163594441 Psalm 39 begins with David holding back his complaint lest he be a stumbling block to the wicked (vs 1-3). This preface leaves the reader anxious to find out what is troubling him so? When he finally opens his mouth in verse 4, his complaint is not regarding any human being, wicked or righteous, but is laid against the Lord, Yahweh. We learn from this that it is wise to not voice complaints against God in the hearing of enemies; nevertheless, we should bring our troubles before God Himself. What troubles David so, is the brevity and meaninglessness of human existence (vs 4-6). The Selah at the end of verses 5 and 11 follow the Hebrew word hebel, translated "mere breath," leading us to pause and meditate on this sobering thought. This is the key word of the book of Ecclesiastes, often translated, "vanity." As perplexing as the brevity of life is, verse 5 affirms that God has made it this way. But why then does God bother with such an insubstantial creature as man? What is His concern with me? Why can He not just leave me alone in my fleeting life? The answer is both easy to understand and utterly abstract. There is a paradox that although our life is fleeting and years are short, we are more than just passing creatures. Our brief journey on this earth has eternal value, as God made us for eternity and for Himself https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/73123163594441 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 30 Jul 2023 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:51:19 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/71023917597805 Since Psalm 36, the theme of waiting has been waiting in the background, so that it might arise in triumph in verse 1 of Psalm 40. In Psalm 38, David, amidst great pain and suffering, lied silently under the smarting rod of God, while waiting with expectation for His deliverance. David knew what it was like to wait, but his waiting always involved expectation. This idea is reflected in verse 1 of our Psalm. Though translated into English as, "I waited patiently," the original Hebrew repeats the same verb in two constructs conveying the ideas of both endurance as well as expectation. As the Psalm opens, David is stuck, hopeless and helpless, enmeshed in the slime of a muddy pit. Though he can do nothing to help himself, he waits on the Lord with expectation; this is another way of saying that he believed or had faith in God. God meets his expectation in verse 2 by pulling him out of this pit and placing his foot firmly upon a rock. His peril is suddenly changed to safety and security. Seeing God has His Savior, David sings "a new song," a "psalm of praise" (vs. 3). His once mute mouth now extols the praises of God which serves to testify to others, that they too might trust the Lord. When God delivers us, we must not remain silent; let us praise Him and make His powerful deliverance, deeds and attributes known "in the great congregation" (vs. 10). We need to talk to one another, both inside and outside the church, about our great God. Our common testimony is found in the Psalm's final verse 17: As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/71023917597805 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 09 Jul 2023 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:49:50 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/625232325522255 Psalm 39 begins with David holding back his complaint lest he be a stumbling block to the wicked (vs 1-3). This preface leaves the reader anxious to find out what is troubling him so? When he finally opens his mouth in verse 4, his complaint is not regarding any human being, wicked or righteous, but is laid against the Lord, Yahweh. We learn from this that it is wise to not voice complaints against God in the hearing of enemies; nevertheless, we should bring our troubles before God Himself. What troubles David so, is the brevity and meaninglessness of human existence (vs 4-6). The Selah at the end of verses 5 and 11 follow the Hebrew word hebel, translated "mere breath," leading us to pause and meditate on this sobering thought. This is the key word of the book of Ecclesiastes, often translated, "vanity." As perplexing as the brevity of life is, verse 5 affirms that God has made it this way. But why then does God bother with such an insubstantial creature as man? What is His concern with me? Why can He not just leave me alone in my fleeting life? The answer is both easy to understand and utterly abstract. There is a paradox that although our life is fleeting and years are short, we are more than just passing creatures. Our brief journey on this earth has eternal value, as God made us for eternity and for Himself. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/625232325522255 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 25 Jun 2023 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:48:30 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/529231222462279 While Psalm 38 has traditionally been categorized as a penitential Psalm, it is more of a lamenting prayer. David is crying out with words and sighs for relief from his physical affliction, emotional anguish, and ensuant isolation. The penitential aspect of the Psalm is evident in how David understands his trial to be a consequence of personal sin. He refers to "my iniquities" (v. 4), "my foolishness" (v. 5), "my iniquity," "my sin" (v. 18). Not every trial is the result of sin, however; this fact is clear in verse 20, where David prays: "Those who render me evil for good accuse me because I follow after good." Psalm 38 teaches us that we are not alone in our trials; our emotions under pain and suffering are important to God, even if we have brought things upon ourselves through our sin. God would never tell His child: "you made your bed, now lie in it." Instead, He hears the prayers of sinners (contrary to the opinion of the Pharisees who announced: We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him – John 9:31). By the end of the Psalm, David is assured that God will not forsake him, but will draw near to, help, and save him. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/529231222462279 Religion & Spirituality Mon, 29 May 2023 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:55:33 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/516232329226162 The Scriptures often contrast the righteous with the wicked. But the greatest contrast in Scripture, is not found amid human beings but between man and God. It is this infinite contrast that Psalm 36 features. V. 1-4: Human beings, by nature, are born under transgression. Due to original sin, and our desperately wicked hearts, we are all bent toward sin. Take note of the progress of sin in the life of the wicked described in these verses. He begins by listening to the voice of evil in his heart. Sin then averts his eyes away from God. It then moves to the mouth as malice and deceit. From there, sin occupies the mind, so that even the night hours are consumed with plotting evil. And finally, evil is carried out, as he sets himself in a way that is not good. V. 5-9: By contrast, God is infinitely magnificent and gracious. His steadfast love and faithfulness are vast and unsearchable, His righteousness impregnable and justice unfathomable. Besides being immense, God's attributes are also intimate. His steadfast love is precious to God's people. Those who find their refuge in God's presence and provision find a haven as well as abundance of joy and life. V. 10-12: These verses tie together the previous seemingly disparate sections in an urgent prayer for the steadfast love of the Lord and His imputed righteousness to reach the place of human need. Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you, and your righteousness to the upright of heart! (v. 10) In His infinite mercy, God extends His attributes toward His people and saves them from their enemies who are left powerless and vanquished. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/516232329226162 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 14 May 2023 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:50:51 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/1521227542042 Join us as we ring in the new year under the preaching of both Pastor Eli Adamo and Pastor Joe Losardo as we are reminded to trust and hold firm to the Sovereignty of our Lord even though we may think we live in dark times. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/1521227542042 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 03 Jan 2021 12:00:00 +0000 Various Speakers 1:05:15 no Various Speakers - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/46201814546853 David's three-fold imprecatory prayer parallels that of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. What role, if any, ought imprecatory prayers play in the lives of New Covenant believers? Has the church ignored this important weapon in our prayer arsenal? How might we rightly pray imprecatory prayers in light of the COVID 19 pandemic? The purpose of imprecatory prayers is that God and His righteous cause would be exalted. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/46201814546853 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 05 Apr 2020 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:56:57 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/3920115266059 The title of Psalm 34 identifies its occasion as the events of 1 Samuel 21:10-15; while fleeing from King Saul, David sought refuge in the enemy territory of Gath. Fearing Gath's king Achish, David feigned insanity in order to escape. Commentators generally agree that David was not trusting God in this episode; however, Psalm 34 indicates that he did cry out to God and sought refuge in Him. In verse 8, the Psalmist calls on the weak and afflicted to "taste and see that the Lord is good." While often taken as an invitation to "try God," this is rather an imperative (a command) to sense God in a very tangible manner. It is a call to believe, but to do so experientially. Hebrews 6:5 and 1 Peter 2:3 also use the idea of "taste" to describe one's first venture into faith. The tasting, though, is not in order to "try God out," but rather to prove God, as if to say, "taste and you will most certainly discover that God is good!" Tasting is required, but alas, it is not enough. Hebrews 6:5 reveals that it is possible to taste and not see; so, David continues by saying, "blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!" He calls upon us to "fear the Lord" (v.9). One may taste of the heavenly gift and yet not be blessed by taking refuge in or fearing the Lord. David then uses the second half of the Psalm (vs 11-22) to instruct us in how to fear the Lord. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/3920115266059 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 08 Mar 2020 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:54:26 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/22420036263944 Psalm 33 is a beautiful example of pure praise to God as it celebrates His character, power, and sovereignty. It is believed to be linked to the previous Psalm 32 as the befitting response of those who have had their sins forgiven and have been counted righteous. The Psalm generally calls all people to praise God for who He is (righteous and just) and what He has done in creation and in fulfilling His purposes in all the earth. Both God's character and power are necessary to carry out His sovereign purposes. A just God who is impotent is incapable of carrying out His own good will; an omnipotent God who is not inherently just would be treacherous. But because God is both good and all-powerful, He can always be trusted to act in ways consistent with his essential nature. Psalm 33 celebrates the enduring quality of God's creation as a foundation for people to trust and hope in Him; but in the end it is not the creation, but the Creator, God Himself, who inspires the Psalmist's hope, as well as the hope of all those upon whom His favor rests. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/22420036263944 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 23 Feb 2020 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:54:45 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/12720124405650 While salvation is monergistic, that is, a work entirely accomplished by God and counted to us, apart from anything in ourselves; nevertheless, we are not completely passive in the process by which salvation is worked out in our lives. As human beings we will continue to sin in our thoughts and actions. As we do, if we behave like the stubborn horse or mule who must be controlled by bit and bridle (v. 9), by trying to cover up our sin, we will find ourselves living in unrest of soul and body (v. 3-4). However, if we are willing to confess our sins, we find a God who will readily forgive and receive us (v. 5, 1 Jn 1:9). As forgiven creatures, we are happy, living joyfully to the praise of His glorious grace. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/12720124405650 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 26 Jan 2020 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:54:15 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/1720191621534 In the first two movements of Psalm 31 a crisis is first introduced and then explored a second time in greater depth. The tension and seemingly opposing ideas are expressed as the psalmist floats back and forth between confident reliance on Yahweh's protection and desperate pleading for deliverance. But by the Psalm's end, it resolves into an opus of confidence, proving God to be that which He is – a rock, refuge, and shelter in times of an enemy's onslaught. The psalmist finds a way to dwell in the shelter of God's presence even while his personal context offered him little reasonable hope for escape. He does this by first, finding an identity that is independent of his desperate circumstance, and second, surrendering to God instead of the despair. We can learn from this as we suffer troublesome or even hopeless circumstances: rather than try to find our own way out of our trouble, we ought to fully rely on and commit to God, who holds our time in His hand. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/1720191621534 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 05 Jan 2020 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:52:51 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/12231942454107 In the thirtieth Psalm, David has emerged from some earlier trial into happier days, and he delights in his renewed circumstance (vs. 2-3). Having come through some unspecified affliction, David's call to praise the LORD, YHWH (v. 4), is based on his experience of deliverance from a dark and tearful temporary place of pain, into an eternal place of favor and joy (v. 5). Through his experience of suffering and then overcoming, the Psalmist has learned not to rely on any singular moment of earthly prosperity, but to rely completely on the mercy of God, who is His ever-present help in time of trouble (vs. 6-10). By the end of the Psalm, David once again praises God who has replaced the sackcloth of his mourning with a garment of gladness and dancing (vs. 11-12). The momentary terror he experiences as he feels God has forsaken him, causes him to realize his vulnerability, thus leading him to seek deliverance. God is thus worthy of praise and glory and honor. God often uses contrasts in Scripture to show the glory of that which is eternal against the mundane dark backdrop of temporariness. Nowhere is this more manifest in history than when the people who walked in darkness, without a word from God for hundreds of years, suddenly were met by a great light. At the appointed time, shepherds watching their flocks by night were met by the glory of the Lord shining around them. And suddenly the night of waiting and weeping was over – the Light had come into the world, and He would change everything forever. Light and life to all He brings! Born to raise the sons of earth! Glory to the newborn king! https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/12231942454107 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 22 Dec 2019 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:48:23 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/12919443347822 Having witnessed a powerful storm, David the Psalmist's chief concern is not merely the power of the thunderstorm, but God's voice, which is infinitely more powerful. Overwhelmed with the majesty of God revealed in the storm, the Psalmist, David, issues a twofold call to worship God in verses 1-2. First, he calls us to ascribe glory to Him, that is, to acknowledge His supreme worth. Secondly, we are to worship, or literally, bow down in a posture that emulates a subordination of our mind and will to His. People who witness the power of God as illustrated in a storm are naturally to be found within the temple praising God who created, and is sovereign over, the storm. We see the power of God's voice revealed when creation springs into existence as a result of the voice of God. Similarly, the voice of God activates faith as He regenerates sinners, drawing them to Himself in salvation. In the Psalm's final two verses, the storm has passed, but God Himself remains. A shaken people upon whom His favor now remains, cannot help but to give Him glory! https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/12919443347822 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 08 Dec 2019 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:50:30 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/112617223238 Join us and listen as we are reminded of why we give praise and thanks to our Lord for He is infinitely worth it. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/112617223238 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 26 Nov 2017 12:00:00 +0000 Elias Adamo 0:48:18 no Elias Adamo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/430172156126 Join us as we hear about the one and true Almighty God who brings true peace to the world and He is someone worth putting your hope in, in these times of strife. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/430172156126 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 30 Apr 2017 12:00:00 +0000 Elias Adamo 0:38:22 no Elias Adamo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/25172237393 During a divided and tumultuous age where should we look to place our hope, comfort and refuge? And how should Christians respond? Join us today to find out. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/25172237393 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 05 Feb 2017 12:00:00 +0000 Elias Adamo 0:37:02 no Elias Adamo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/11171912456 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/11171912456 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 01 Jan 2017 12:00:00 +0000 Elias Adamo 0:38:09 no Elias Adamo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/32215199300 Today, we who are in Christ know many things that were unknown to David about the nature and method of prayer. We understand that effective prayers are only those offered boldly at the throne of grace of mercy based upon the merit of Christ’s blood. While these details were unknown to David, today we yet suffer with many of the same problems that David dealt with; and like David, we too must cry unto the Lord and present our supplications to Him with the same suppliant nature. Such prayers have been common to the people of God in every age. So if you labor and are heavy laden, come to Christ; bow at His feet and ask of Him, as one who is suppliant. Ultimately, more than anything, we see Jesus Christ in this Psalm. Christ always went to His Father in His own time of need. Though He was in very nature Almighty God, He became the weak suppliant. Hebrews 5:7 says, “in the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.” Even to this day, Jesus, as our great High Priest, continues to offer prayers or intercession for His people as the perfect suppliant. Let us likewise take on the posture of the suppliant, as we continually recognize our neediness and reliance upon our God. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/32215199300 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 22 Mar 2015 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:53:20 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/39151627414 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/39151627414 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 08 Mar 2015 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:54:05 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/222152142480 Many of David’s Psalms reveal him as the man after God’s heart, as one who lived a life devoted to God, His people and His house. We often find David panting after, and thirsting for, God, enjoying His courts, shouting for joy, and singing to the Lord. We find his praise to be most vociferous when he is in the presence of God’s people (see Psalm 27:6, 42:4, 68:24-26). This kind of devotion required that David forsake those wicked people who would lead him into falsehood and hypocrisy. Instead, he spiritually aligned himself with those who were publicly singing around the altar in the temple courts. His choice to hate the company of evil doers and in turn love God’s people, reveals where David’s heart is. Rather than surrounding himself with those who might be a stumbling block, David chose to fellowship with the ‘great assembly,’ where he experiences the sure footing a level ground (v. 12). David understood that he was on safest ground when his conduct was on open display before God’s people. He knew that there was no better place on earth for him to join in the triumphant proclamation of the glorious works of God than in the assembly of the saints. Like David, we all face choices when it comes to the company we keep. Much can be said of our own heart by the company we desire to keep. No matter how spiritual we might think we are, we deceive ourselves if we think that we can live a life devoted to God and yet have no care for the fellowship of His people. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/222152142480 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 22 Feb 2015 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:55:14 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/2915813150 The seventeenth Psalm has been the departing song of many Christian martyrs upon their unjust death. In 1685, this Psalm was the final song of Covenanter Daniel McMichael and later Alexander McRobin, who was said to have died, “in much composure and cheerfulness.” A couple of years later, another Covenanter, John Gibson was permitted to pray before he was shot – he sang part of Psalm 17. He reported to his family how it was the joyfullest day of his life; “the rest were shot without being allowed to pray separately,” he wrote. You cannot kill men with faith like this; they know they have eternal life. This Psalm has undoubtedly been the source of great encouragement to many a persecuted Christian through the ages, who, notwithstanding their chains, may enter the Lord’s presence at any time with a simple cry out. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/2915813150 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 08 Feb 2015 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:55:21 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/511142149355 One act of deliverance for which God is praised in Psalm 113 is for His liberation of oppressed women. In the ancient Middle-East, and in Israel in particular, motherhood was the crowning achievement of any woman. A woman without children was considered a social outcast (Gen 16:2, 20:18, 1 Sam 1:6, Luke 1:25). God’s people sensed His mandate in creation to “be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth” (Genesis 1:28), and when they could not do so, they sensed the disfavor of God on their lives. But God’s people often found themselves released from the curse and blessed with children (Ps 115:14, Isaiah 48:19, 54:1-3). Barren women were often redeemed in Scripture; we see a pattern where God often chooses and calls barren women to give birth to a significant heir through miraculous and inexplicable circumstances. Finally, the ultimate “barren” woman – a virgin – Mary, gave birth to the Messiah in what was the most miraculous conception. The coming of Christ into the world changed everything with respect to our outlook on children and infertility. No longer are God’s children called “barren.” Being without a child is never mentioned in the New Testament as a curse; in fact, the New Testament actually praises the unmarried state (1 Cor 7:6-8). Mark 3:34-35 and Matthew 10:35-37 reveal Jesus’ teaching on family and children. In texts such as these we see what the creation mandate to “be fruitful and multiply,” as well as all of the examples of barren women in Israel, point to. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/511142149355 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 11 May 2014 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:53:10 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/427141919447 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/427141919447 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 27 Apr 2014 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:57:21 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/413141812500 1. The One True God 2. The True Israel 3. Israel's True King http://breadoflifefellowship.wordpress.com/2014/04/07/the-king-of-glory-psalm-24/ https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/413141812500 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 13 Apr 2014 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:57:13 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/323141832445 There is perhaps no more familiar and beloved passage of Scripture than Psalm 23 – the Shepherd’s Psalm. David, the Psalm’s author, was a shepherd of sheep. When God called him in 2 Samuel 5, He said to David, “You shall be shepherd over my people Israel.” But in Psalm 23, David, the shepherd of Israel, confesses his own need for a Shepherd who was greater than he. In this statement David makes an analogy that is found throughout the Hebrew Scripture, and fully appreciated through the lens of the New Testament (John 10) where we learn of one Person, Jesus Christ, who uniquely expresses the qualities of a Shepherd to His people. Jesus calls himself, “The good shepherd.” But I pose this question to you today: Is He YOUR shepherd? If Jesus is your shepherd, there is a very important effect which is brought out in verse 1; it is that we, His people, shall not want – that is to say, we will lack no good thing. He supplies all my needs and satisfies me completely. He has provided me with a complete salvation, to which I need to add nothing. He takes care of my life, so that I need be anxious for nothing; and even those things which are unpleasant in life, I can trust are in His hands. He will guide me safely to my final destination, whether it is through green pastures and still waters, or dark valleys and shadows of death. I need not fear, in fact I am comforted, by the fact that my Shepherd will defeat all of my fiercest enemies as He bears the rod and staff which He uses to protect me. Beware of false shepherds whose voices compete with the voice of our Shepherd. Follow your Good Shepherd and you will be led safely home. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/323141832445 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 23 Mar 2014 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:56:04 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/39141951388 A sorrowful symphony in three movements: 1) Desertion or Crucifixion 2) Expectation or Resurrection 3) Application or Consummation Psalm 22 is without debate a Psalm that directs our attention to the cross. While the Psalm is one of David, and indeed describes his affliction to an extent, it far more obviously points to David’s greater Son in his final and saddest hour. Some commentators have suggested that in His darkest hour, Jesus abandoned trust in God. The pastoral application of this is that as long if the Son of God could crack under enough pressure, it should not be too surprising if you too should crack from time to time, so do not be too hard on yourself when you lose trust in God; it happened to Jesus, so it will happen to you. But is this an appropriate application of the text? Did Jesus lose trust in God when he quoted Psalm 22:1? The very fact that Jesus quoted Psalm 22 demonstrates this. In his deepest trial He not only quotes the Word of God, but a Psalm that is one of the deepest expressions of confidence in God, in all of Scripture. When Jesus said, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” it did not suggest a lack of trust in God at all; in fact, after His prayer in the garden of Gethsemane, it became clear that His going to the cross would be His Father’s will, so it was an act of decisive trust. It’s an irony, but the man who cries out in despair, at the same time, trusts God implicitly! https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/39141951388 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 09 Mar 2014 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:51:10 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/22314225370 A Psalm that looks past David to David's Lord and David's Son - the Lord Jesus Christ. It celebrates God's favor on granting the hearts desire of our King and His salvation. It moves from the King's Joy in verse 1 to the peoples' joy in verse 13 by showing what God has accomplished through our King. 1. vs. 1: the King's joy 2. vss. 2-6: Our King's past triumph 3. vs. 7: the King's trust in God 4. vss. 8-12: Our King's continuing conflict 5. vs. 13: The people's joy https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/22314225370 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 23 Feb 2014 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:57:36 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/29142148430 Psalm 20 is a song of war wherein the armies of Israel pray for the success of their king in the battle they are to face. It is an expression of their trust in God over horses and chariots. We can take comfort that God is with us in the midst of our trials and afflictions. And when God is for us, hwo can be against us? https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/29142148430 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 09 Feb 2014 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:58:55 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/24141821335 I. God's revelation of Himself through Nature (General Revelation) vss. 1-6 II. God's revelation of Himself through Scripture (Specific Revelation) vss. 7-11 III. Our response to God's revelation of Himself (recognition of sin, repentance and worship) vss. 12-14 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/24141821335 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 02 Feb 2014 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:55:10 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/112141723433 I. Introduction: The two aspects of a rock II. A Rock of Refuge (vss. 1-19) III. A Rock of stability or immutability (vss. 20-36) IV. A Rock of Victory or Resurrection (vss. 37-50) https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/112141723433 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 12 Jan 2014 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:57:11 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/115121836140 I. “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” A. Background of Psalm 133 B. The ugliness of division C. The beauty of unity II. “It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!” A. The consecrating power of unity B. Unity made possible by the Gospel of Jesus Christ C. The Church as a restoration of unity with God and with each other III. “It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion!” For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.” A. The necessity of unity B. Unity and separation C. Natural and deliberate unity https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/115121836140 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 15 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000 Damien Garofalo 0:54:49 no Damien Garofalo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/41209203923 Psalm 16 is a song of confidence expressing a deep trust in the Lord in both life and death. The Psalmist possesses a security as he rejoices to know that his future is safe, and that the Lord will not allow him to “see decay.” The quotation from Psalm 16 by Peter in Acts 2:25-28 and Paul in Acts 13:35 makes this Psalm particularly cherished to Christians, as it speaks of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Psalmist's assertion and confidence in his own resurrection is not unlike that of Paul's in Romans 6:5-11, wherein he speaks of a future resurrection in terms of absolute certainty (6:5). True faith in the resurrection instills a confidence not only in death, but in life as well. It leads to a genuine optimism, even in the most adverse of circumstances. As Paul wrote, “the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom 8:18). The beloved apostle John writes, “… we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 Jn 3:3). The Christian hope in the resurrection is not a vain hope, neither in its source nor in its product. The source of the Christian's hope is based on the veracity of the risen Savior. If He did not rise, then we will not rise; if He did not rise, then our faith is in vain, and we are of all men most pitiable (1 Cor 15:13-19). But it is equally true that our faith in the resurrection is not vain in its product – that is, because He did rise and conquer sin and death, it will produces in us the fruits of joy, peace, patience, and a hopeful and pure life. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/41209203923 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 12 Apr 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 1:02:05 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/11109220372 As David begins Psalm 15, he asks the great question: “LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill?” We can imagine David asking this question of God, as he pears out over the throngs of people visiting Zion during a vast celebration. With the tabernacle of the holy city crowded with men all professing the same religion, presenting themselves to God with outward ceremony, David wonders: Who of this confusing medley of characters will abide with God in His tabernacle? This great question is basically the same as asking, "Who can be saved?" David proceeds to answer this question in verses 2-5 with a series of ten human actions that stem from the heart of his character: He walks uprightly; works righteousness; speaks the truth in his heart; does not backbite with his tongue; nor does evil to his neighbor; nor takes up a reproach against his friend; He despises the vile person; but honors those who fear the LORD; he swears to his own hurt and does not change; and does not lend his money with interest. What is your reaction to this standard? Do you see it as a written code of ethical behavior which you must live by? Are you living by this standard? Is it possible for anyone to live up to the standard of Psalm 15? Who is the man who is described in Psalm 15? https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/11109220372 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 11 Jan 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 1:00:40 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/122208153370 This month in our nation's capital, Christmas has turned into a war of ideologies waged on the side of buses. An atheist ad on many area buses reads: "Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness sake." The confrontational ad begs us to address the question: Can anyone be good, ‘for goodness sake?' Psalm 14 answers this question with a resounding, “NO!” Instead the Psalmist's indictment of man is that he is: corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none who does good. The LORD looks down from heaven … to see if there are any who understand, who seek God. They have all turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is none who does good, no, not one. This provides an accurate report of the condition of man; he is radically corrupt and depraved. The very concept of goodness, can only is only defined by God, and as such, He is the basis of all human goodness; therefore, the absence of God is the necessary absence of good. This is a great offense to the atheist who considers himself good. The question is though, what they mean by "good." Generally they use a subjective sliding scale to measure goodness – it is whatever they deem goodness to be. But ‘goodness' is objective; it is based upon timeless standards of truth and nature of God. Psalms 25:8 says, Good and upright is the LORD. God's goodness is not even ‘for goodness' sake,' but for His name's sake. In Exodus 34:6, God reveals His name to Moses: “The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth …” There is only good because there is God, and man may only at best, reflect the brightness of that goodness off of the black darkness of his own soul. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/122208153370 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 21 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:57:25 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/1214082233377 Under conditions of great distress, one may find the words of Psalm 13 to be of great consolation. In seasons of trial and temptation, it is common for one's thought to turn inward, as David begins Psalm 13, however he does not remain melancholy. We know not how long David labored in his depression, but ultimately attending his soul to prayer, he finds relief, joy and a new song. Do you find yourself often asking the question, “How long?” If, as was the case for Joseph and Job, there is no apparent sin that is responsible for your lengthy season of sorrow, take heart and trust that God has not abandoned you, but has only allowed dark providences in order to work things together for your good and His glory, in conforming you to the image of His Son. Believe that your faith will emerge from the fire as pure gold. There are cases when you must also ask yourself if there is some reason that the Father is hiding his face from you, where you should inquire of Him into the cause of His anger. He is never angry unless there is a reason. For what particular disobedience, for what unbelief, for what abhorrent attitude, for what manner of behavior toward another, has God taken up the rod against you? Job inquired of God (10:2), “Do not condemn me; show me why You contend with me.” What is it that has caused Him to so long delay His help? Be assured that it is not the normal exercise of God's providence, to trouble the souls of His children for so long a time; so therefore, with humility, seek Him as to His purpose in dealing with your soul as He has. If there be any evil, ask that it be revealed, that you might repent over it and find pardon. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/1214082233377 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 14 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:59:06 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/1130082143385 Like any kingdom, the kingdom of darkness and the rise of Antichrist, which is to come, is preceded by the spoken word. Scripture is full of verses which describe the attributes of the wicked, and perhaps the most common attribute found in these descriptions involves his tongue, which he uses to boast. Paul writes to Timothy of the condition of individuals in the last days. Take note of how many of Paul's descriptive words relate to the tongue: But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, … boasters, proud, blasphemers, … slanderers, without self-control, brutal, … having a form of godliness but denying its power. (2 Tim 3:1-6). Daniel prophesies of Antichrist in chapters 7-11, he spoke pompous words; through his cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper, and he shall seize the kingdom by intrigue. The beast of Revelation was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies (Rev 13:5, Dan 11:36). Psalm 12 is about the use of words and speech in this or any age. It contrasts the words of the wicked with the pure words of the Lord. Kingdoms are built upon words – whether vane, flattering speeches which build the kingdom of Antichrist, or Gospel words which populate the Kingdom of God. Please excuse the poor quality of this recording. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/1130082143385 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 30 Nov 2008 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 1:04:16 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/1123082050185 If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Psalm 11:3) Many a well-meaning persons, have used this verse as a springboard to voice their ideas of how the foundations of our world, nation, government or church are crumbling and what people can do about it. Indeed the destruction of any nation, business or church entity is the result of their being built upon a faulty foundation. Many a nation that have been built upon the sand of human reason and ingenuity have fallen; many a church built upon the sand of pragmatism, liberalism or psychology are crumbling as a result. However, to make suggestions as to ‘what the righteous can do' under such circumstances, is not what the text of Psalm 11 does. On the contrary Psalm 11 does not advocate that the righteous do anything, except take refuge in God. Though David's comrade is telling him to ‘flee like a bird to the mountain' (v. 1), David knows better. Rather than being shaken into some extreme action, he knows that his foundation cannot be destroyed. David knows most certainly, that if the foundation be destroyed, there is nothing anybody can do, because the foundation determines everything. Indeed, if Christ, our foundation could possibly be destroyed, then, where can we run? – the mountains, Texas, perhaps Alaska? No. Pull our foundation out from under us and we are a people completely without hope. Perhaps that is why the question posed in Psalm 11:3 goes unanswered. It is a rhetorical, even absurd proposition. Instead, take heart for even under the worst conditions on earth, the Psalmist assures us, The LORD is in His holy temple, The Lord's throne is in heaven (Ps 11:4). https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/1123082050185 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 23 Nov 2008 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 1:03:20 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/111008121625 Psalm 10 is, as it were, an “Atheist Autopsy.” Each verse, like a forensic pathologist's scalpel, cuts and reveals another layer of the heart and soul of the man who has “God in none of his thoughts.” He persecutes the poor, boasts of his heart's desires, blesses the greedy, and renounces the Lord. As he prospers in his way, he sneers at his enemies, thinking that nothing can move him, considering himself untouchable by any misfortune. His mouth is full of boasting and deceit; he hides iniquity in palatable language; he murders the innocent, but does not call it such; using rhetoric, he seeks to trap the needy and draw them into his net. All the while this man is foolish enough to think that God will never see that which hides in the secret recesses of his own heart. Though he may publicly acknowledge God, when he is alone his prayer is, "God has forgotten; He hides His face; He will never see." The scalpel of God's Word penetrates to a level that reveals that which the man himself might not be consciously aware of. He is a man who lies, not only to others, but to himself and God. Such is the condition of the heart of the wicked. But “wicked” describes every one of us. In some capacity, a dissection of our own desperately wicked heart would reveal exactly what the autopsy of this Atheist reveals. Does not our old body of death neglect the poor and needy, while boasting in self-sufficiency? Is there not pride, greed and deceit in us, as a result of remaining sin? Does not indwelling sin still try to convince our minds that God does not see our sin? Praise God that He has given us a new heart and new life in Christ – the old has passed away; the new has come! https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/111008121625 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 09 Nov 2008 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 1:06:06 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/112082052552 The song that once was ‘America' seems to be in its final refrain, but when its over, will you still sing? Psalm 9 picks up right where Psalm 8 left off with an exuberant note of praise. Unlike Psalm 8 however, in the 9th Psalm, the Psalmist will return to lamenting before the end of his song, as he considers the reality of his turbulent earthly circumstances. The context of the Psalm clearly shows that David's present condition is one of suffering, where any hope of deliverance lies in the future; yet the Psalm begins, and is scattered throughout, with verses of joyful and confident thanksgiving. If we are honest and let experience tell the truth, Christians faced with turbulent times, seem to prefer to complain sooner than they will praise God. But not so for David; between the realism of his present trials and the equally real, but unseen future, David knows His God to be his refuge in the midst of the present tempest. What is your experience when it comes to praise? When the music stops, is your singing sustained? When the ‘songs of glory' end and times of joyful prosperity are over, do you sing on? The song that once was ‘America' seems to be in its final refrain, but when its over, will you still sing? There is a link between great Truth and great singing. Song is the byproduct and response on the part of the grateful Christian who understands great Truth. So sing on, Christian, and let he who would call you, ‘naïve' do so to their own detriment. For your hope lies not in an earthly nation, for what are they but men; your hope lies in the Maker of men and nations, even of heaven and earth! https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/112082052552 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 02 Nov 2008 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:58:28 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/10190819562810 Psalm 8 is the Psalter’s first actual praise hymn, and unlike all of the other praise psalms, Psalm 8 addresses God and God alone; there is no invitation or call for man to praise, nor is there any “because” clause offering any reasons to praise. It is perhaps the closest example of heavenly praise that we have example of in the Psalter, yet it is offered from earth. It teaches us that we must approach the throne of God with the utmost humility (vs. 3-4), but more than this it reveals to us that man is remembered and visited by God! It demonstrates that we, as His children and babes and sucklings, may without presumption expect God to hear us and take pleasure in our praises! It is interesting that scholars suggest that the eighth Psalm was used in the Feast of Tabernacles liturgy to celebrate and worship God as Creator, recognizing that God's creation helps us to understand the importance of our relationship with Him on earth. Psalm 8 paints a picture that belongs to earth in this age, yet it does so with great optimism. It links creation with present experience and reflects upon promises that still hold – what God intended humanity to be, what they are in Christ and what they will be in the consummation – God will complete His specific plan for man despite his fall. Like the eight day Feast of Tabernacles, the eighth Psalm looks at the eternality of God from the standpoint of human weakness and concludes that God still holds majestic power in all the earth (vss.1 & 9). https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/10190819562810 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 19 Oct 2008 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 1:02:46 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/105082224710 It is believed that David did not write any Psalm prior to his defeat of Goliath. The sorrows of David's life began when he was affronted by the envy and jealousy of Saul and his house after he defeated the Philistine giant. It was the storms of persecution which awakened David to tune his harp and pen his Psalms. Psalm 7 is believed to belong to the period of David's life when he was persecuted by Saul. In relation to the men who sought to take his life, David was blameless. He was conscious of his own sincerity toward God in both his intentions and conduct toward God's anointed King Saul. In fact in this matter, David was about as devoid of malice as any public character in Scripture. His conduct toward Saul, from beginning to end, displayed meekness and a spirit far from seeking vindication. Realize that as far as we can tell, at the time David wrote this Psalm, he had not received the earthly justice he was seeking. In fact we do not know if David was ever vindicated of the matter for which he pours out his complaint, in this life. We do not know if his name was cleared of the slander which served as the motivation of this prayer. But we do know that even this sorest of evil against him served him with the occasion to sing a Psalm. Imagine if we could turn take the most wicked action against us and turn it into a song! https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/105082224710 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 05 Oct 2008 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:54:46 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/9280821325610 Psalm 6 is classified as the first of seven of what are known as ‘Penitential Psalms” (the others are 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, and 143). In it we find David’s sorrowful prayer for mercy at a time of deep affliction, which he recognizes is the result of the just chastening of God, which he has brought upon himself. He affirms that he can no longer bear up under his present suffering and that divine glory would only be obscured should his distress continue until his death. Despite this he nevertheless ends up sure of divine compassion – that his prayer is heard and answered in the defeat of his enemies. In pleading his case before God for deliverance, we find David recognizing the terrible consequences of his personal sin. We find sorrow, humiliation, and even hatred of sin which are the unfailing marks of a contrite and repentant heart. A sense of his own sinfulness has removed the Psalmist’s pride, and so taken away any reliance which he may have had upon his own strength. In this way God even uses sin in our lives to remove any hope that we might have in ourselves. It is one of the ways all things work together for good for those who love Him. Even our very rebellion against God, is used by Him for our good and His glory. The Penitential Psalms, just like sin and repentance itself, though beginning in the darkness of unbelief usually end in hopeful exultation. This is a reminder to us sinners, that when we sin and are chastened, if we would only pour out our complaint before the throne of grace, our soul too would be unburdened. Can you not see the glory of God’s love and Gospel in this wonderful truth? https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/9280821325610 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 28 Sep 2008 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 0:58:33 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/91508175319 The Lord's disciples asked Him to teach them to pray. We can learn much from our Lord about prayer through the prayers of David. In Psalm 5 we find that David is not limited to one form of prayer. He approaches the throne of grace with words, silent meditations, and cries. He offers prayers on behalf of himself as a representative of the godly and imprecations on behalf of the enemies of God. What role, if any, should imprecatory prayers (the calling upon God for a just demonstration of wrath against sinners) play in the life of the New Testament church? Some scholars and worshippers of the modern church love-god deny or reject the idea that any imprecation is appropriate in light of Jesus' command to love one another. Is this so? Does the new commandment and law of Christ to love, necessarily exclude imprecatory prayers? Are imprecations products of an old Jewish dispensation no longer to be practiced by those enlightened by Christ? Are imprecations always the product of human anger and an 'eye for an eye' mentality? If not, then why do so few churches today include imprecatory prayers in their worship? With about 20 imprecatory prayers in the Psalms alone - and the Psalter being the prayer book of the church - how is it that we can ignore or overlook this kind of prayer in our prayer meetings and public worship? Have we become so affected by the love idol put forth by today's church, that we consider appropriate imprecation as incompatible with the command to love our enemies and pray for those who despitefully use us? This sermon will address all of these questions as it examines the role of imprecation in the life of the New Testament saint and church. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/91508175319 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 14 Sep 2008 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 1:06:25 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/97082053104 In Psalm 4, in David's distress he calls out to God (v. 1). He is forsaken and shamed by the people of the world who are asking, “Who will show us any good?” (v.6). There are many faithless people who, even when they look into religion, seek not God, but what they can get out of it. There is a seductive lure of a religion built upon such pragmatism. Such a religion becomes a means of manipulating the gods to fulfill my needs, as the foundational purpose of God's covenant – to know God – gets lost in the rush for personal satisfaction. Like David, Job held on to God, not because of any benefit they received – in Job's case, he lost everything! They find in God their delight and joy, simply because He is God and He has chosen to enter into a covenant with them (v.3). As all of the politicians, the media, commercials, athletics and even much of the church bombard your senses with the ideology that you are at the center of your universe, may you as the Psalmist take your eyes off of yourself and your benefits (your corn and wine v. 7) and place them knowing Christ. Doing so will not change your pain into pleasure, nor will it fill your rumbling stomach. Knowing Christ does not mean that all that is wrong in your life will go away, nor does it, as the quaint but trivial saying goes, make your lemons into lemonade. But knowing Christ brings about a gladness and a rightness about your life that will not be eradicated by pain or want or trial or tribulation. Ours in not some kind or warped, masochistic faith that rejoices over pain and suffering, but one that faces the reality of pain with a steadfast confidence that, “though He slay me, yet I will trust in Him” (Job 13:15). https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/97082053104 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 07 Sep 2008 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 1:01:20 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/818081341356 This, the first prayer of the Psalter, was offered as David fled his palace in the dead of night, in order to run from an army of thousands that had been gathered together against him by his son, Absalom. Prayer originates in the midst of trouble, in the midst of man recognizing that his only hope is in His God. David first expresses a sense of being overwhelmed with his present circumstances; however, at the end of verse 2, his mood changes with the word Selah. After the Selah, we find David with a new found confidence that God is his shield – his protection (v. 3). Again after crying out to God (v. 4), a second Selah leads David into a sweep sleep, for he trusts in the Lord; he is confident that the hand of the Lord is upon him. Anxiety would certainly have kept him up all night keeping watch for his enemies, but even in this place, far his palace in the dead of night, he knew that God was with him and would protect him. Do you have peace? What is your peace dependent upon? Realize that it is with tribulation that the authenticity of your faith is tested. In Matthew 13:20-21 the one, who, though he received the word with joy, was tested by tribulation, immediately stumbled. What trial are you facing today? Has it driven you to Christ through prayer or to stumbling in anxiety and stress? Though this world may be filled with devils who threaten to undo you, you can lie down and sleep and awake, knowing the Lord has sustained you (v. 5-6). Do not fear for, salvation belongs to the Lord (v. 8). Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 5:1-2). Selah. Pause, lift up your heart and meditate upon this doctrine. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/818081341356 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 17 Aug 2008 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 1:06:52 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/81008231154 Whereas the first Psalm brought out a contrast between the happy man and the sinner, the second Psalm sets the tumultuous rebellion of the ungodly against sure exaltation of the Son of God, the Messiah. The ungodly, who are driven away as chaff in Psalm 1, are here in Psalm 2 smashed into pieces (v. 9). What Psalm 2 reveals, that Psalm 1 only implies, is the person of Messiah. While Christ is well characterized in the description of the happy man of Psalm 1, His name is not overtly stated; however, in Psalm 2, His persona is clearly revealed. The Messianic implication of Psalm 2 are hard to deny for even the very name “Mashiach” (Hebrew for Messiah and translated as “Anointed”) appears in verse 2 of the Psalm. In addition, the second Psalm is often quoted in the New Testament to provide Scriptural confirmation of Jesus' Messianic office and expected glorious and royal return. Jesus, whose “sonship” was confirmed by the Father at His baptism, was first clearly revealed as the Son, here in Psalm 2. The first century church understood the crucifixion of Christ by the nations and rulers of the world in light of the raging of the nations described in verse 1. John in his Revelation describes Christ as the one “who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron,” not unlike the description of His rule in Psalm 2:9. The Messianic hope that Psalm 2 raises is that the anointed king Messiah will rule by God's appointment; that although this dark world would foolishly seek to drive God out of existence, that in the end He will subdue all nations under His feet. In light of this, the only wise response on the part of humanity is that of repentance and worship. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/81008231154 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 10 Aug 2008 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 1:01:22 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/728081041152 David begins the psalm, not with instruction of “dos and don'ts” of action, but rather gives direction as to whom we are to be or not be influenced by. The contrast he wishes to draw is not one of wicked deeds versus righteous acts, but of being influenced from one place versus being influenced from another place; specifically, being shaped in our mind by the ungodly versus being shaped by the law of the Lord. Where a person walks, stands and sits, is demonstrative of what he delights in. Nobody walks in the way of the ungodly, stands in the way of sinners, or sits in the seat of the scornful, out of duty. We walk, stand and sit where we do because we want to – we are attracted by what they offer and so we willingly participate. In fact, it is as we meditate on these things (though we wouldn't call it that), that we end up loving the world and the things in it. It starts by looking at what the world has to offer; this then leads to thinking about it so much that you want it, and before long you join the ranks of ungodly, walking in their ways, standing with them, and finally sitting resolutely in their seat. This describes the way of the reprobate - the terrible downward spiral of sin. The only hope we have of overcoming the temptation offered by the pleasures of the world is to instead delight in the pleasures of the word. Just as the pleasures of the world are awakened by looking at them long enough, so the pleasures of the word are awakened in the regenerate soul by looking at them long enough – meditating day and night, which in turn leads to delighting in it, which then frees us from the attraction of the ungodly, the sinner, and the scorner. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/728081041152 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 27 Jul 2008 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 1:01:15 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/720082053270 First, it is important to realize that that there is much doctrinal instruction in the Psalms. While some poetry makes no claim to instruct the mind, the Psalms do. Jesus and the apostles often quoted the Psalms in order to teach truth (Matt 22:43-45, Heb 7:14-22). When we read the Psalms, we are meant to learn things about God and about human nature. True as this is however, if you read the Psalms only for doctrine, you're not reading them for what they are intended to be. Psalms are also songs; that's what the word psalm means. They are musical. The reason human beings express truth with music is to awaken and express emotions that fit the truth. Singing is intended to stir up and carry the affections of the heart. And if we fail to understand this, we will miss the very intention of God in His inclusion of Psalms in the canon of Scripture. The Psalms is the most often-quoted Old Testament book in the New Testament. It was the hymnal and meditation book of the church for ages. Alongside the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, Psalms is the book that has shaped the thought and emotions of Christian throughout the ages. The reason for this is that Psalms are an expression from a heart that has experienced intimacy with God. They are the exultations of men who not only know about God, but know Him. And this will be our intention as we preach through the book of Psalms, to draw out the praise and emotion that must be the result of knowing God intimately. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/breadoflife/sermons/720082053270 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 20 Jul 2008 12:00:00 +0000 Joseph LoSardo 1:01:31 no Joseph LoSardo - Psalms