Background from the NT: James 1: 2 - 12
Memory Verse: My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations -- James 1:2
Working faith stands tall in the midst of trial and temptation
This is the kind of faith that has feet and hands.
It brings patience -- James 1:3-4
Patience is defined as a state of steadfastness, constancy, endurance
You have to let it work. Don't run from trials -- let God use them to increase your patience through faith in Him
It asks for wisdom -- James 1:5
Rather than ask "why is this happening to me?" ask instead for wisdom for daily living.
God delights in giving wisdom. (2 Chr 1:10-12) Believe that, and live it each day.
It's stable -- James 1:6-8
It's never wishy-washy, it never hangs over the rail, sea-sick.
If you're double-minded, don't expect to receive anything from God
It's humble -- James 1:9-11
Jesus preached on spiritual paradox in the Sermon on the mount (Matthew 5)
The poor in spirit would receive the Kingdom, mourners would be comforted, the meek would be exalted, the persecuted would be rewarded, etc
James borrows from that sermon in this verse to describe the paradox of humility -- the greatest will be the least, and the least will be the greatest.
Working faith accepts that paradox and puts it into practice.
It's ultimately victorious through the Grace of God -- James 1:12
"For when he is tried" means shown to be approved. We are approved through our acceptance of Jesus.
The crowns we'll lay at the feet of Jesus (Rev 4:10)
Crown of Life for those who endure trial & temptation -- James 1:12
Crown of Righteousness for those who look for His return -- 2 Timothy 4:8
Crown of Glory for those who spread the gospel of Christ -- 1Peter 5:4
Crown of Rejoicing for those who are saved -- 1 Thessalonians 2:19
August 28, 2009
August 22, 2009
What should I do when my love for Christ grows weak?
Of course we should spend time in prayer to God (alone and with other Christians), spend time studying the word of God, and seek counsel from other Christians. But do not forget Paul's instructions to the Philippians: "Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy -- meditate on these things" (Phil. 4:8).
Meditating and dwelling upon spiritual things, including the love of Christ, strengthens us to live according to the will of God. But to think about these things, we must first ground ourselves upon the word of God. Then, we must get away from the hustle and bustle of our busy lives and think about God and Christ - His suffering and agony; and His body and blood which were so freely given that we might be redeemed from sin.
Are you weak? Then take time to think about Jesus and remember: "For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:6-8).
When my love to God grows weak,
When for deeper faith I seek,
Then in thought I go to thee,
Garden of Gethsemane.
There I walk amid the shades
While the lingering twilight fades
See that suffering, friendless One,
Weeping, praying there alone.
When my love for man grows weak,
When for stronger faith I seek,
Hill of Calvary, I go
To thy scenes of fear and woe.
There behold His agony,
Suffered on the bitter tree;
See His anguish, see His faith,
Love triumphant still in death.
Then to life I turn again,
Learning all the worth of pain,
Learning all the might that lies
In a full self sacrifice.
Meditating and dwelling upon spiritual things, including the love of Christ, strengthens us to live according to the will of God. But to think about these things, we must first ground ourselves upon the word of God. Then, we must get away from the hustle and bustle of our busy lives and think about God and Christ - His suffering and agony; and His body and blood which were so freely given that we might be redeemed from sin.
Are you weak? Then take time to think about Jesus and remember: "For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:6-8).
When my love to God grows weak,
When for deeper faith I seek,
Then in thought I go to thee,
Garden of Gethsemane.
There I walk amid the shades
While the lingering twilight fades
See that suffering, friendless One,
Weeping, praying there alone.
When my love for man grows weak,
When for stronger faith I seek,
Hill of Calvary, I go
To thy scenes of fear and woe.
There behold His agony,
Suffered on the bitter tree;
See His anguish, see His faith,
Love triumphant still in death.
Then to life I turn again,
Learning all the worth of pain,
Learning all the might that lies
In a full self sacrifice.
August 21, 2009
The Unsilencing of God Campaign
Recently the Church I attend the Toledo Rd. Church of Christ in Lorain Ohio. Held a 24 Hour Bible Marathon and read the bible through. By Teenagers from around where we live and as far as Texas and Bowling Green Kentucky my hat goes off to these young people.
I was previleged to be able to hold a duscussion group with them and would like to share with you what I shared with them.
The Unsilencing of God Discussion
I’m not ashamed to own my Lord,Or to defend His cause;Maintain the honor of His Word,The glory of His cross.
Jesus, my God! I know His Name,His Name is all my trust;Nor will He put my soul to shame,Nor let my hope be lost.
Firm as His throne His promise stands,And He can well secureWhat I’ve committed to His handsTill the decisive hour.
Then will He own my worthless nameBefore His Father’s face,And in the new JerusalemAppoint my soul a place.
We need not to be ashamed for what you did! Rom. 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God's power for the salvation of everyone who believes, of the Jew first and of the Greek as well.
Lets talk about not being ashamed of what you did. And setting an example. And about being proud that you are a Christian. And that you are an American and that you do have rights.
What is a citizen? If you were born in the United States, you are a citizen. That means you are a member of our country. Sometimes people who are not born here want to become citizens. They do this by asking the government to make them a citizen. This is called naturalization. When you are a citizen you have rights. Rights are special privileges the government gives you. In our country, you have free speech. You are also given the right to choose a religion. In America, the press is free to tell you what is happening in the world. The Bill of Rights lists the freedoms given to citizens. These rights are very important. Many people in the world do not have freedoms like we do. Because the government gives us rights, we have the duty to be good citizens. But, what does it mean to be a good citizen? How can you be a part of giving back for the freedom you have?
Today in America, freedom of religion is slipping away from us. We are losing it because we have not taken care to preserve it. We are losing it because too many Americans do not understand what freedom itself means and how it works. Freedom is a loaded word, a symbol like the American flag. We know it is good and that we should defend it, but how can we be sure we are really defending it if we don't know what it is where it comes from?
The Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag is an oath of loyalty to the republic of the United States Of America. It is sworn by children in public school schools in response to state laws requiring the Pledge to be offered. Congressional sessions open with the swearing of the Pledge, as do government meetings at local levels, and some sporting events.
The current Pledge of Allegiance reads:
"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
According to the United States Flag Code, the Pledge "should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove any non-religious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute."
The Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy (1855-1931), a Baptist minister, a Christian socialist, and the cousin of socialist utopian novelist Edward Bellamy (1850-1898). Bellamy's original "Pledge of Allegiance" was published in the September 8th issue of the popular children's magazine The Youth's Companion as part of the National Public-School Celebration of Columbus Day, a celebration of the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's discovery of America. The event was conceived by James B. Upham, a marketer for the magazine, in a campaign to sell American flags and American nationalism to public schools.
What about in God we trust on our money, Should it be taken off?
1. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS OBSERVED BY THE WORLD!
We read in 1 Corinthians 4:9, "For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men." The word "spectacle" was a word used to describe what was known as the Roman Triumph. When a Roman General won a major victory it was celebrated by what was called the Triumph. The general would enter the city leading a procession that included his officers and troops. Behind them would follow the prisoners of war in chains for all to see and mock.
The word carried the ideal of a public spectacle. In fact, we get our word "theater" from this word which implies a production for public viewing. Paul was declaring that the Christian life is a public matter. Being a Christian means our lives are on public display. Christians are on the stage of this world being viewed by a lost world around us.
Notice that Paul says that this observation of our life is two-fold.
A. THERE IS A HUMAN OBSERVATION OF OUR LIFE!
He says in verse 9 that we are a spectacle to "the world" and "to men." There is a human observation of our life. We are being watched by those around us. Being a Christian is very much a public matter.
People around us watch how we live. They listen to what we say and take note of the things we talk about. They observe what we do and how we do things. When you profess to be a Christian, whether you like it or not, you become a spectacle to the world and to men.
2. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS OPPOSITE OF THE WORLD!
When you talk about being a Christian you are talking about living a life that is totally opposite of this world.
Often times when the Bible speaks of the "world" it is talking about a system going in the opposite direction of God. That's why John told us not to love the world" (I John 2:15). The world is going in an opposite direction of God and is at all times trying to pull us in its direction.
B. THE MESSAGE OF THE CHRISTIANS IS OFFENSIVE TO THIS WORLD
Our message is the message of the cross. Our message declares that all men are sinners and all men need a Saviour. Our message declares there is a hell awaiting those who die without Christ and a heaven for only those who die in Christ. Our message declares that there are not many ways to be saved, but only one way Acts 2:38-Mark 16:15-16.
What does it mean to be a Christian? The Biblical ideal is not always what we want to hear. But a real Christian is one who lives on this world's stage, being watched day by day. It is for that reason we live a life that is pleasing to God. The world may not always appreciate who we are and what we believe, but may we live in such a way that they never doubt that we are what we claim to be.
The government cannot pick a favorite religion or oppose any religion.
You cannot be arrested for saying what you think about someone, even if that person is the President of the United States.
Newspapers, books, movies, radio, television, etc. are all free to present news, ideas, and opinions. Not even the government can tell them what they can or cannot print or say.
Groups of people may organize together in large groups to march and protest something they are against or to try to get something they want. (That does not mean that they can hurt anyone while they are doing this, or interfere with anyone else's rights.)
God wants us to have him in our hearts and for us to not be ashamed to say we love him. God must be sad at the way people are trying to make it against the law to say his name in public.God wants to be a part of all our lives and he wants us to include him in all our affairs.
I was previleged to be able to hold a duscussion group with them and would like to share with you what I shared with them.
The Unsilencing of God Discussion
I’m not ashamed to own my Lord,Or to defend His cause;Maintain the honor of His Word,The glory of His cross.
Jesus, my God! I know His Name,His Name is all my trust;Nor will He put my soul to shame,Nor let my hope be lost.
Firm as His throne His promise stands,And He can well secureWhat I’ve committed to His handsTill the decisive hour.
Then will He own my worthless nameBefore His Father’s face,And in the new JerusalemAppoint my soul a place.
We need not to be ashamed for what you did! Rom. 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God's power for the salvation of everyone who believes, of the Jew first and of the Greek as well.
Lets talk about not being ashamed of what you did. And setting an example. And about being proud that you are a Christian. And that you are an American and that you do have rights.
What is a citizen? If you were born in the United States, you are a citizen. That means you are a member of our country. Sometimes people who are not born here want to become citizens. They do this by asking the government to make them a citizen. This is called naturalization. When you are a citizen you have rights. Rights are special privileges the government gives you. In our country, you have free speech. You are also given the right to choose a religion. In America, the press is free to tell you what is happening in the world. The Bill of Rights lists the freedoms given to citizens. These rights are very important. Many people in the world do not have freedoms like we do. Because the government gives us rights, we have the duty to be good citizens. But, what does it mean to be a good citizen? How can you be a part of giving back for the freedom you have?
Today in America, freedom of religion is slipping away from us. We are losing it because we have not taken care to preserve it. We are losing it because too many Americans do not understand what freedom itself means and how it works. Freedom is a loaded word, a symbol like the American flag. We know it is good and that we should defend it, but how can we be sure we are really defending it if we don't know what it is where it comes from?
The Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag is an oath of loyalty to the republic of the United States Of America. It is sworn by children in public school schools in response to state laws requiring the Pledge to be offered. Congressional sessions open with the swearing of the Pledge, as do government meetings at local levels, and some sporting events.
The current Pledge of Allegiance reads:
"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
According to the United States Flag Code, the Pledge "should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove any non-religious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute."
The Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy (1855-1931), a Baptist minister, a Christian socialist, and the cousin of socialist utopian novelist Edward Bellamy (1850-1898). Bellamy's original "Pledge of Allegiance" was published in the September 8th issue of the popular children's magazine The Youth's Companion as part of the National Public-School Celebration of Columbus Day, a celebration of the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's discovery of America. The event was conceived by James B. Upham, a marketer for the magazine, in a campaign to sell American flags and American nationalism to public schools.
What about in God we trust on our money, Should it be taken off?
1. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS OBSERVED BY THE WORLD!
We read in 1 Corinthians 4:9, "For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men." The word "spectacle" was a word used to describe what was known as the Roman Triumph. When a Roman General won a major victory it was celebrated by what was called the Triumph. The general would enter the city leading a procession that included his officers and troops. Behind them would follow the prisoners of war in chains for all to see and mock.
The word carried the ideal of a public spectacle. In fact, we get our word "theater" from this word which implies a production for public viewing. Paul was declaring that the Christian life is a public matter. Being a Christian means our lives are on public display. Christians are on the stage of this world being viewed by a lost world around us.
Notice that Paul says that this observation of our life is two-fold.
A. THERE IS A HUMAN OBSERVATION OF OUR LIFE!
He says in verse 9 that we are a spectacle to "the world" and "to men." There is a human observation of our life. We are being watched by those around us. Being a Christian is very much a public matter.
People around us watch how we live. They listen to what we say and take note of the things we talk about. They observe what we do and how we do things. When you profess to be a Christian, whether you like it or not, you become a spectacle to the world and to men.
2. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS OPPOSITE OF THE WORLD!
When you talk about being a Christian you are talking about living a life that is totally opposite of this world.
Often times when the Bible speaks of the "world" it is talking about a system going in the opposite direction of God. That's why John told us not to love the world" (I John 2:15). The world is going in an opposite direction of God and is at all times trying to pull us in its direction.
B. THE MESSAGE OF THE CHRISTIANS IS OFFENSIVE TO THIS WORLD
Our message is the message of the cross. Our message declares that all men are sinners and all men need a Saviour. Our message declares there is a hell awaiting those who die without Christ and a heaven for only those who die in Christ. Our message declares that there are not many ways to be saved, but only one way Acts 2:38-Mark 16:15-16.
What does it mean to be a Christian? The Biblical ideal is not always what we want to hear. But a real Christian is one who lives on this world's stage, being watched day by day. It is for that reason we live a life that is pleasing to God. The world may not always appreciate who we are and what we believe, but may we live in such a way that they never doubt that we are what we claim to be.
The government cannot pick a favorite religion or oppose any religion.
You cannot be arrested for saying what you think about someone, even if that person is the President of the United States.
Newspapers, books, movies, radio, television, etc. are all free to present news, ideas, and opinions. Not even the government can tell them what they can or cannot print or say.
Groups of people may organize together in large groups to march and protest something they are against or to try to get something they want. (That does not mean that they can hurt anyone while they are doing this, or interfere with anyone else's rights.)
God wants us to have him in our hearts and for us to not be ashamed to say we love him. God must be sad at the way people are trying to make it against the law to say his name in public.God wants to be a part of all our lives and he wants us to include him in all our affairs.
August 11, 2009
Being Frustrated
Are you frustrated about many things and sometimes everything. Being a Christian doesn't mean that we will not experience difficult times. God has told us the truth, that at times life will be difficult. He has provided to us a way to overcome these tough times, that way is found in following Jesus' teachings and surrendering our lives to Him. His peace is amazing and His love is unmatched. You can rest in trusting that He is working all things for the good.
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