1. “I’D RATHER”
A TASTE OF THE BOOK OF PSALMS
Metro Manila Christian Church
Makati Sector Singles Ministry
22 August 2012

2. Introduction 1
The Book of Psalms is AWESOME!
Question: What kind of book is the Book of Psalms?
1.A book of praise – to assist us in our praise to God;
2.A book of prayer – to learn how to approach God and
respond to God;
3.A book of evidences – to strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ;
4.A book of living – to act as “training guide” for righteous and
holy living; and,
5.A book of songs – record and exemplify music dedicated to
God.

3. Introduction 2
Question: What is your type of music?
•Like music, the Book of Psalms are an
expression of one’s emotions and feelings that
one wouldn’t normally express when mere
talking.
•Songs have the same function.

4. Introduction 3
From Luther Vandross’ song “I’d Rather”:
“I'd rather have bad times with you, than good times with
someone else
I'd rather be beside you in a storm, than safe and warm by
myself
I'd rather have hard times together, than to have it easy apart
I'd rather have the one who holds my heart”
Short Exercise:
Please read Psalm 73.

5. Introduction 4
Questions:
1.What are the similarities of the song with
Psalm 73?
2.I’d Rather has a “turning point”. What is the
turning point of Psalm 73?

6. Introduction 5
I’d Rather’s Turning Point:
“So I'm here cause I found this one thing is true
That I'm nothing without you
I know better now
And I've had a change of heart”
Psalm 73’s Turning Point:
“When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I
entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.”
Psalm 73:16-17
Question: In the midst of our Christian life today, what is the relevance
of “the sanctuary of God” or the Temple of God?

7. The Relevance of
the Temple of God
• Just like the Book of Psalms, it is a way to
“fellowship” with God. It is a way to be with
God.
• God did everything to show that He wants to
be with us!
• God wants to show each and everyone of us
that He to fellowship with us!
Question: Do you want to fellowship with God?

8. A Progression Of Fellowship 1
PURPOSEFUL CREATION
“From one man he made every nation of men,
that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he
determined the times set for them and the
exact places where they should live. God did this
so that men would seek him and perhaps reach
out for him and find him, though he is not far
from each one of us.” Acts 17:26-27

9. Purposeful Creation

10. A Progression Of Fellowship 2
THE PILLAR OF CLOUD
“After leaving Succoth, they camped at Etham on
the edge of the desert. By day the LORD went
ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on
their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them
light, so that they could travel by day or night.
Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of
fire by night left its place in front of the people.”
Exodus 13:21-22

11. The Pillar of Cloud and Fire

12. A Progression Of Fellowship 3
THE ARK OF THE COVENANT
“Have them make a chest of acacia wood – two
and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide,
and a cubit and half high…. There, above the
cover between the two cherubim that over the
ark of the Testimony, I will meet with you and
give you all my commands for the Israelites.
Exodus 25:10-22

13. The Ark Of The Covenant

14. A Progression Of Fellowship 4
THE TABERNACLE
“Then Moses set up the courtyard around the
tabernacle and altar and put up the curtain at
the entrance to the courtyard. And so Moses
finished the work. Then the cloud covered the
Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled
the tabernacle.” Exodus 40:33-34

15. The Tabernacle

16. A Progression Of Fellowship 5
THE TEMPLE
“The waves of death swirled about me; the
torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The
cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares
of death confronted me. In my distress, I called
to the LORD; I called out to my God. From his
temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his
ears.” 2 Samuel 22:5-7

17. The Temple

18. A Progression Of Fellowship 6
THE INCARNATION (God Among Us)
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling
among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the
One and Only, who came from the Father, full of
grace and truth.” John 1:14
“They were all filled with awe and praised God. ‘A
great prophet has appeared among us,’ they said.
‘God has come to help his people.’” Luke 7:16

19. The Incarnation (God Among Us)

20. A Progression Of Fellowship 7
THE INDWELLING (God In Us)
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you
another Counselor to be with you forever – the
Spirit of truth.” John 14:16-17a
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the
Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received
from God? You are not your own.” 1 Corinthians
6:19

21. The Indwelling (God In Us)

22. Conclusion
1. From the OT to NT, there is a “continuation”
of God wanting to be with His people!
2. God’s passion is to be with people!
3. He wants to be with You!
4. God built us to fellowship with Him!
5. God is saying, “I’D RATHER BE WITH YOU!’

23. Life Application Stuff
Group Discussion Questions:
1.What keeps you from fellowship with God?
2.What can I do to help me fellowship with
God?