The Lord Reigns!
A Sermon on Psalm 96
Text: “Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.” — Psalm 96:10 (KJV)
Introduction
There is much uncertainty in our world today. Governments rise and fall. Wars rage. Economies fluctuate. Morality changes with public opinion. Yet in the middle of all the confusion, Psalm 96 gives us a glorious truth that never changes:
“The Lord reigneth.”
This psalm is not merely a song for Israel—it is a song for every nation, every generation, and every believer. It reminds us that God is still on His throne, worthy of all worship, and that one day Jesus Christ will return to judge the world in righteousness.
1. Sing a New Song to the Lord
Psalm 96:1–3
“O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth.”
A new song does not necessarily mean a newly written hymn. It is the fresh praise that comes from a heart that has experienced God’s grace.
Every day God gives us new reasons to praise Him:
- New mercies every morning.
- New strength for today’s trials.
- New opportunities to serve Him.
- New victories through Christ.
The Christian life should never become stale or mechanical. The Lord deserves joyful worship from grateful hearts.
Ask yourself:
Has my worship become routine, or am I still amazed by God’s goodness?
2. Declare His Glory Among the Nations
Psalm 96:2–3
God never intended His people to keep the good news to themselves.
The psalm says:
“Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.”
This is the heartbeat of missions and evangelism.
Jesus echoed this command in the Great Commission:
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.”
Every Christian has a testimony.
You may never preach to thousands, but you can tell one neighbour, one family member, or one friend what Christ has done for you.
The greatest message this world needs is not political reform but spiritual transformation through Jesus Christ.
3. Worship the True God
Psalm 96:4–6
“For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens.”
People worship many things today:
- Money
- Success
- Pleasure
- Fame
- Technology
- Self
Anything that takes God’s rightful place becomes an idol.
Idols promise much but deliver nothing.
Only Christ can forgive sin.
Only Christ can satisfy the soul.
Only Christ can give eternal life.
The God who created the heavens alone deserves our worship.
4. Give God the Glory He Deserves
Psalm 96:7–9
Three times we are told to give unto the Lord glory.
True worship involves:
- Reverence.
- Obedience.
- Holiness.
- Humility.
We cannot honour God with our lips while ignoring Him in our daily lives.
God is not looking merely for songs.
He is looking for surrendered hearts.
5. The Lord Reigns
Psalm 96:10
These three words change everything.
The Lord reigns.
Not chance.
Not fate.
Not evil.
Not the devil.
God has never lost control.
Even when we cannot understand His ways, we can trust His heart.
History is moving exactly where God has planned.
Jesus Christ is King today, and one day every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord.
6. All Creation Rejoices
Psalm 96:11–12
The heavens rejoice.
The earth is glad.
The sea roars.
The fields celebrate.
The trees sing.
Creation itself longs for the day when Christ will return to remove the curse of sin.
One day there will be:
- No more wars.
- No more suffering.
- No more injustice.
- No more death.
What a glorious day that will be!
7. Christ Is Coming Again
Psalm 96:13
The psalm ends with hope.
“For he cometh… he shall judge the world with righteousness.”
For those who reject Christ, His coming will bring judgment.
For those who trust Him, His coming brings joy.
Justice will finally prevail.
Every wrong will be made right.
Every tear will be wiped away.
The Judge of all the earth will always do what is right.
Conclusion
Psalm 96 calls every believer to three great responsibilities:
- Worship the Lord with joyful hearts.
- Witness to the nations about His salvation.
- Wait with hope for Christ’s glorious return.
The world may seem unstable, but the throne of God is secure.
The kingdoms of this world will pass away.
The Lord’s kingdom will never end.
So let us sing.
Let us serve.
Let us share the gospel.
And let us live each day remembering the wonderful truth:
“The Lord reigneth!”
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we praise You because You alone are worthy of all honour, glory, and worship. Help us to sing with thankful hearts, to proclaim Your salvation boldly, and to live holy lives that reflect Your greatness. Strengthen us to trust You in uncertain times, knowing that You reign over all things. Keep our eyes fixed upon the glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ, when righteousness and justice will fill the earth. Until that day, may we faithfully worship, witness, and walk with You. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.
GOD IS A GOOD GOD
GOD KNOWS, GOD LOVES, GOD CARES
Written for Georges Web Ministries.com
Georges WebMinistries. Com
Georges Bible Ministries
George Poem .com
Gi7Ministries.com
14th July 2026
