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In this week’s instalment of our “Flesh and Fruit” series on Galatians 5, Pastor Brandon Hill unpacks the second fruit of the Spirit: Joy. Far more than fleeting happiness or a forced smile, biblical joy is a deep, Spirit-wrought contentment that survives bad weeks, cracked voices, and hard trials because it is anchored in Christ’s victory and the new creation already breaking in. Through rich Old Testament promises, laugh-out-loud stories, surprising stats, and ten practical ways to cultivate it, Brandon shows why Christians should be the most joyful people on the planet—and how we can actually live that out. Whether you’re riding high or barely hanging on, this message will point you back to the only source that never runs dry. Come and feast on the joy that Jesus gives. 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.   The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ga 5:16–26.

In the tenth sermon of our Flesh and Fruit series, Phil turns to Galatians 5:22 and the first fruit of the Spirit: love. The message explores biblical love as rooted in the Trinity, its foundations across Scripture, how it differs from cultural ideas of tolerance, and what an ordered, passionate, and costly love looks like in daily life. 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.   The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ga 5:16–26.

Christ is risen! On Easter Sunday, Phil Brown unpacks the power of the resurrection using Romans 5:10. In a world drowning in bad news, Christianity proclaims the ultimate good news: Jesus died to reconcile His enemies to God and now lives to save us fully. Discover how His resurrection guarantees justification, new life, freedom from sin’s power, and future bodily resurrection. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. (Ro 5:10).

On this Good Friday, Pastor Mark traces humanity’s long history of sin and God’s unfolding plan of redemption through the biblical covenants—from Adam’s fall to the sacrificial system in Leviticus. Discover how the five offerings powerfully foreshadow Jesus Christ, the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice who willingly bore our sin on the cross. A moving call to reflect on the depth of our depravity and the greater depth of God’s grace as we remember the Lord’s death. 1 The Lord called Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting, saying, 2 “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When any one of you brings an offering to the Lord, you shall bring your offering of livestock from the herd or from the flock.  3 “If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer a male without blemish. He shall bring it to the entrance of the tent of meeting, that he may be accepted before the Lord. 4 He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him. 5 Then he shall kill the bull before the Lord, and Aaron’s sons the priests shall bring the blood and throw the blood against the sides of the altar that is at the entrance of the tent of meeting. 6 Then he shall flay the burnt offering and cut it into pieces, 7 and the sons of Aaron the priest shall put fire on the altar and arrange wood on the fire  The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Le 1:1–7.

In this sermon, we explore Paul’s sobering phrase “and things like these” in Galatians 5:21. Far from giving an exhaustive list of sins, Paul leaves the door open to the whole Bible’s diagnosis of the human heart. Walking through four major categories of the works of the flesh—sexual sin, false worship, broken relationships, and sinful excess—we confront how both ancient vices and modern culture keep us from inheriting the kingdom of God. With humor, cultural insight, and biblical honesty, we examine why sexuality matters more than society admits, how hypocritical worship and self-love destroy us, and why chasing pleasure directly never delivers true joy. Ultimately, the gospel offers a better story: real freedom, restored dignity, and pleasures forevermore in Christ. 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.   The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ga 5:16–26.

Phil Brown tackles drunkenness as a key 'work of the flesh' from Galatians 5, unpacking its dangers, cultural pull, and biblical warnings. With honest insight and gospel hope, he calls believers to walk by the Spirit instead—pursuing true freedom, joy, and readiness for God's good works. 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.   The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ga 5:16–26.

Phil Brown tackles the explosive "fits of anger" from Galatians 5—those sudden bursts we all know too well when life presses in. This honest sermon exposes anger as a serious work of the flesh, yet points to real hope: walking by the Spirit, growing in patience and peace, and resting in Christ’s slow-to-anger grace. If you’ve ever lost your cool and wondered how the gospel changes that, this one’s for you. Press play and let the Word convict and comfort. 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.   The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ga 5:16–26.

Discover the hidden dangers of jealousy and envy in this sermon from our Sunday service. Pastor Mark uncovers how these subtle sins shape our hearts, fuel modern culture, and even echo through Scripture—from ancient rivalries to the events leading to the cross. Learn why contentment in Christ is the only true antidote to comparison and dissatisfaction. A convicting call to guard your soul and find freedom in Him. 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.   The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ga 5:16–26.

In this sermon from Redeemer's "Flesh and Fruit" series, Pastor Aidan delves into the destructive work of enmity—our natural hostility toward others and God that fuels conflicts from petty grudges to global wars and genocides. Drawing from Scripture like Ephesians 2 and Romans 5, he exposes how this sinful impulse permeates everyday life and defies God's commands, yet finds ultimate resolution in the gospel: Christ's blood breaks down dividing walls, unites enemies as one in Him, and reconciles us to God through faith alone. A powerful call to embrace peace with man and God, culminating in a reflective Lord's Supper invitation. 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.   The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ga 5:16–26.

In this sermon, Phil addresses “sorcery” (pharmakeia) as listed by Paul in Galatians 5:20. The sermon explores what the biblical term meant in the first-century world—including practices tied to idolatry, manipulation of circumstances, and reliance on supernatural sources apart from God—and considers its relevance today. Drawing from Scripture, it examines modern examples such as New Age practices, astrology, occult activities, cultural rituals, superstitions, drug use for spiritual purposes, and even some trends within Christianity. The message contrasts these with trust in Christ alone and concludes with an invitation to find control, guidance, transcendence, justification, and escape in Jesus, followed by participation in the Lord’s Supper. 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.   The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ga 5:16–26.

Phil unpacks Galatians 5:20, showing idolatry as humanity’s core rebellion—misplacing worship that belongs to the triune God alone. From ancient warnings to modern idols (self-help, politics, tech), he calls us to flee falsehoods and live Spirit-led: repent, acknowledge the true God daily, enjoy His gifts without deifying them, and worship as prescribed—through Word, prayer, song, and the Lord’s Supper. Flee idols; keep in step with the Spirit. 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.   The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ga 5:16–26. 9  Go on up to a high mountain,  O Zion, herald of good news;  lift up your voice with strength,  O Jerusalem, herald of good news;  lift it up, fear not;  say to the cities of Judah,  “Behold your God!”  10  Behold, the Lord God comes with might,  and his arm rules for him;  behold, his reward is with him,  and his recompense before him.  11  He will tend his flock like a shepherd;  he will gather the lambs in his arms;  he will carry them in his bosom,  and gently lead those that are with young.  12  Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand  and marked off the heavens with a span,  enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure  and weighed the mountains in scales  and the hills in a balance?  13  Who has measured the Spirit of the Lord,  or what man shows him his counsel?  14  Whom did he consult,  and who made him understand?  Who taught him the path of justice,  and taught him knowledge,  and showed him the way of understanding?  15  Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket,  and are accounted as the dust on the scales;  behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust.  16  Lebanon would not suffice for fuel,  nor are its beasts enough for a burnt offering.  17  All the nations are as nothing before him,  they are accounted by him as less than nothing and emptiness.  18  To whom then will you liken God,  or what likeness compare with him?  19  An idol! A craftsman casts it,  and a goldsmith overlays it with gold  and casts for it silver chains.  20  He who is too impoverished for an offering  chooses wood that will not rot;  he seeks out a skillful craftsman  to set up an idol that will not move.  21  Do you not know? Do you not hear?  Has it not been told you from the beginning?  Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?  22  It is he who sits above the circle of the earth,  and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers;  who stretches out the heavens like a curtain,  and spreads them like a tent to dwell in;  23  who brings princes to nothing,  and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness.  24  Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown,  scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth,  when he blows on them, and they wither,  and the tempest carries them off like stubble.  25  To whom then will you compare me,  that I should be like him? says the Holy One.  26  Lift up your eyes on high and see:  who created these?  He who brings out their host by number,  calling them all by name;  by the greatness of his might  and because he is strong in power,  not one is missing.  27  Why do you say, O Jacob,  and speak, O Israel,  “My way is hidden from the Lord,  and my right is disregarded by my God”?  28  Have you not known? Have you not heard?  The Lord is the everlasting God,  the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He does not faint or grow weary;  his understanding is unsearchable.  29  He gives power to the faint,  and to him who has no might he increases strength.  30  Even youths shall faint and be weary,  and young men shall fall exhausted;  31  but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;  they shall mount up with wings like eagles;  they shall run and not be weary;  they shall walk and not faint.   The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Is 40:9–31.

In this "Flesh and Fruit" series sermon on Galatians 5:16–26, Philip Brown addresses sexual immorality as a key "work of the flesh," contrasting it with God's good gift of sex reserved for lifelong heterosexual marriage. He affirms sexual desire as natural and celebrates its biblical goodness while warning against its abuse through adultery, premarital sex, pornography, lust, sensuality, and related sins. Backed by New Zealand stats on promiscuity, declining marriages, and societal impacts, the message calls for repentance, cleansing through Christ's blood, walking by the Spirit, and hope in the gospel of forgiveness and new life. 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.   The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ga 5:16–26.

Dive into the heart of Christian living with the kickoff of our 18-week series, "Flesh and Fruit," from Galatians 5. Philip Brown unpacks the battle between sinful desires and the Spirit's transformative virtues like love, joy, and patience. In a pluralistic culture like New Zealand, discover God's blueprint for humanity, broaden your view of sin, and embrace freedom from the law through Christ's work. This sermon clarifies the Holy Spirit's true role, warns against distortions, and offers practical steps to walk in step with Him. Perfect for believers seeking direction, conviction, and encouragement in pursuing righteousness. 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another (Ga 5:16–26).

This sermon explores Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, as an acrostic celebration of God's word (law, statutes, precepts, etc.) as the perfect guide for life, offering blessing, purity, wisdom, comfort in affliction, and light in darkness. Pastor Brandon highlights four recurring themes—keeping God's word diligently, delighting in it above all else, asking God for help to obey and understand it, and waiting for His salvation—while walking through key stanzas to show the psalmist's deep dependence on Scripture amid trials and opposition. 119  Blessed are those whose way is blameless,  who walk in the law of the Lord!  2  Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,  who seek him with their whole heart,  3  who also do no wrong,  but walk in his ways!  4  You have commanded your precepts  to be kept diligently.  5  Oh that my ways may be steadfast  in keeping your statutes!  6  Then I shall not be put to shame,  having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.  7  I will praise you with an upright heart,  when I learn your righteous rules.  8  I will keep your statutes;  do not utterly forsake me!  Beth 9  How can a young man keep his way pure?  By guarding it according to your word.  10  With my whole heart I seek you;  let me not wander from your commandments!  11  I have stored up your word in my heart,  that I might not sin against you.  12  Blessed are you, O Lord;  teach me your statutes!  13  With my lips I declare  all the rules of your mouth.  14  In the way of your testimonies I delight  as much as in all riches.  15  I will meditate on your precepts  and fix my eyes on your ways.  16  I will delight in your statutes;  I will not forget your word.  Gimel 17  Deal bountifully with your servant,  that I may live and keep your word.  18  Open my eyes, that I may behold  wondrous things out of your law.  19  I am a sojourner on the earth;  hide not your commandments from me!  20  My soul is consumed with longing  for your rules at all times.  21  You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones,  who wander from your commandments.  22  Take away from me scorn and contempt,  for I have kept your testimonies.  23  Even though princes sit plotting against me,  your servant will meditate on your statutes.  24  Your testimonies are my delight;  they are my counselors.  Daleth 25  My soul clings to the dust;  give me life according to your word!  26  When I told of my ways, you answered me;  teach me your statutes!  27  Make me understand the way of your precepts,  and I will meditate on your wondrous works.  28  My soul melts away for sorrow;  strengthen me according to your word!  29  Put false ways far from me  and graciously teach me your law!  30  I have chosen the way of faithfulness;  I set your rules before me.  31  I cling to your testimonies, O Lord;  let me not be put to shame!  32  I will run in the way of your commandments  when you enlarge my heart!  He 33  Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;  and I will keep it to the end.  34  Give me understanding, that I may keep your law  and observe it with my whole heart.  35  Lead me in the path of your commandments,  for I delight in it.  36  Incline my heart to your testimonies,  and not to selfish gain!  37  Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;  and give me life in your ways.  38  Confirm to your servant your promise,  that you may be feared.  39  Turn away the reproach that I dread,  for your rules are good.  40  Behold, I long for your precepts;  in your righteousness give me life!  Waw 41  Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,  your salvation according to your promise;  42  then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,  for I trust in your word.  43  And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,  for my hope is in your rules.  44  I will keep your law continually,  forever and ever,  45  and I shall walk in a wide place,  for I have sought your precepts.  46  I will also speak of your testimonies before kings  and shall not be put to shame,  47  for I find my delight in your commandments,  which I love.  48  I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,  and I will meditate on your statutes.  Zayin 49  Remember your word to your servant,  in which you have made me hope.  50  This is my comfort in my affliction,  that your promise gives me life.  51  The insolent utterly deride me,  but I do not turn away from your law.  52  When I think of your rules from of old,  I take comfort, O Lord.  53  Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,  who forsake your law.  54  Your statutes have been my songs  in the house of my sojourning.  55  I remember your name in the night, O Lord,  and keep your law.  56  This blessing has fallen to me,  that I have kept your precepts.  Heth 57  The Lord is my portion;  I promise to keep your words.  58  I entreat your favor with all my heart;  be gracious to me according to your promise.  59  When I think on my ways,  I turn my feet to your testimonies;  60  I hasten and do not delay  to keep your commandments.  61  Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,  I do not forget your law.  62  At midnight I rise to praise you,  because of your righteous rules.  63  I am a companion of all who fear you,  of those who keep your precepts.  64  The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;  teach me your statutes!  Teth 65  You have dealt well with your servant,  O Lord, according to your word.  66  Teach me good judgment and knowledge,  for I believe in your commandments.  67  Before I was afflicted I went astray,  but now I keep your word.  68  You are good and do good;  teach me your statutes.  69  The insolent smear me with lies,  but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;  70  their heart is unfeeling like fat,  but I delight in your law.  71  It is good for me that I was afflicted,  that I might learn your statutes.  72  The law of your mouth is better to me  than thousands of gold and silver pieces.  Yodh 73  Your hands have made and fashioned me;  give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.  74  Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,  because I have hoped in your word.  75  I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous,  and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.  76  Let your steadfast love comfort me  according to your promise to your servant.  77  Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;  for your law is my delight.  78  Let the insolent be put to shame,  because they have wronged me with falsehood;  as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.  79  Let those who fear you turn to me,  that they may know your testimonies.  80  May my heart be blameless in your statutes,  that I may not be put to shame!  Kaph 81  My soul longs for your salvation;  I hope in your word.  82  My eyes long for your promise;  I ask, “When will you comfort me?”  83  For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,  yet I have not forgotten your statutes.  84  How long must your servant endure?  When will you judge those who persecute me?  85  The insolent have dug pitfalls for me;  they do not live according to your law.  86  All your commandments are sure;  they persecute me with falsehood; help me!  87  They have almost made an end of me on earth,  but I have not forsaken your precepts.  88  In your steadfast love give me life,  that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.  Lamedh 89  Forever, O Lord, your word  is firmly fixed in the heavens.  90  Your faithfulness endures to all generations;  you have established the earth, and it stands fast.  91  By your appointment they stand this day,  for all things are your servants.  92  If your law had not been my delight,  I would have perished in my affliction.  93  I will never forget your precepts,  for by them you have given me life.  94  I am yours; save me,  for I have sought your precepts.  95  The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,  but I consider your testimonies.  96  I have seen a limit to all perfection,  but your commandment is exceedingly broad.  Mem 97  Oh how I love your law!  It is my meditation all the day.  98  Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,  for it is ever with me.  99  I have more understanding than all my teachers,  for your testimonies are my meditation.  100  I understand more than the aged,  for I keep your precepts.  101  I hold back my feet from every evil way,  in order to keep your word.  102  I do not turn aside from your rules,  for you have taught me.  103  How sweet are your words to my taste,  sweeter than honey to my mouth!  104  Through your precepts I get understanding;  therefore I hate every false way.  Nun 105  Your word is a lamp to my feet  and a light to my path.  106  I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,  to keep your righteous rules.  107  I am severely afflicted;  give me life, O Lord, according to your word!  108  Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord,  and teach me your rules.  109  I hold my life in my hand continually,  but I do not forget your law.  110  The wicked have laid a snare for me,  but I do not stray from your precepts.  111  Your testimonies are my heritage forever,  for they are the joy of my heart.  112  I incline my heart to perform your statutes  forever, to the end.  Samekh 113  I hate the double-minded,  but I love your law.  114  You are my hiding place and my shield;  I hope in your word.  115  Depart from me, you evildoers,  that I may keep the commandments of my God.  116  Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,  and let me not be put to shame in my hope!  117  Hold me up, that I may be safe  and have regard for your statutes continua

Psalm 66 celebrates God's deliverance from a tough season, urging everyone to shout praises, sing His awesome deeds, and look back on His mighty acts of rescue and faithfulness. This high-energy psalm calls us to actively respond: sing boldly about God's power, offer our lives as living sacrifices in gratitude, repent of hidden sin, and tell others what He's done for our souls. Ultimately, it points to Jesus' ultimate work on the cross—come proclaim that gospel at the Lord's Supper! 66 To the choirmaster. A Song. A Psalm.  1  Shout for joy to God, all the earth;  2  sing the glory of his name;  give to him glorious praise!  3  Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!  So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you.  4  All the earth worships you  and sings praises to you;  they sing praises to your name.” Selah  5  Come and see what God has done:  he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.  6  He turned the sea into dry land;  they passed through the river on foot.  There did we rejoice in him,  7  who rules by his might forever,  whose eyes keep watch on the nations—  let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah  8  Bless our God, O peoples;  let the sound of his praise be heard,  9  who has kept our soul among the living  and has not let our feet slip.  10  For you, O God, have tested us;  you have tried us as silver is tried.  11  You brought us into the net;  you laid a crushing burden on our backs;  12  you let men ride over our heads;  we went through fire and through water;  yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance.  13  I will come into your house with burnt offerings;  I will perform my vows to you,  14  that which my lips uttered  and my mouth promised when I was in trouble.  15  I will offer to you burnt offerings of fattened animals,  with the smoke of the sacrifice of rams;  I will make an offering of bulls and goats. Selah  16  Come and hear, all you who fear God,  and I will tell what he has done for my soul.  17  I cried to him with my mouth,  and high praise was on my tongue.  18  If I had cherished iniquity in my heart,  the Lord would not have listened.  19  But truly God has listened;  he has attended to the voice of my prayer.  20  Blessed be God,  because he has not rejected my prayer  or removed his steadfast love from me!   The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ps 66:title–20.