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A Family of believers making disciples who influence the world by becoming daily followers of Christ.
Episodes
Wednesday Jan 30, 2019
Wednesday Jan 30, 2019
Walk This Way
“Help Wanderers Return”
“My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19-20)
James teaches us to participate in a ministry of restoration. We have the privilege and responsibility to help Wanderers return to the Way of Jesus.
Wandering happens (5:19)- James says wandering is not only possible,
but probable (v.19 is a 3rd class conditional sentence). Believers can go
astray from the Way (as a matter of discipleship, not lose salvation).
Why does wandering happen (5:19)? “wander from the truth”
Untethered- (un)intentional neglect the Word, worship, fellowship.
Hurt- broken relationships; loss, bad church experience; tragedy
Transitions- move, new job, marriage, children; promotions; travel
Immaturity- too much world, too little Jesus; distractions, detours,
undisciplined, hobbies; limited faith foundation.
Unanswered questions- life/death, justice/injustice; where is God?
intellectual struggles; pride.
What Can We Do for Wanderers (5:19)? “Bring them back... turn them
from the error of their way.”
We (re)invest in helping Wanderers return to the Lord.
Relationships are of the utmost importance!
Restoration ministry can help turn someone from “the error of his
way” (notice the contrast to “the truth”).
Why are we interested in restoration ministry (5:20)?
James closes strong with a declaration about life and forgiveness (v.20).
“Save them from death...”
“Cover over a multitude of sins.”
Restoration Ministry Questions: Do you know a Wanderer?
What step can you take to bring them back? What level of contact?
Who can you seek out & have a restorative conversation?
Who needs your prayers, love, and help?
Wednesday Jan 30, 2019
Wednesday Jan 30, 2019
Walk This Way
“Pray in Faith”
(James 5:13-18)
“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.” (James 5:13-14)
James teaches us prayer is faith in action. We pray when we are in trouble, happy, sick, or when we sin. In other words, we pray: constantly, personally, and no matter the circumstances. God faithfully hears and acts in His wisdom, way, and timing to aide, rejoice, heal, and forgive.
Prayer is faith in action (5:13-18)- Prayer is relational (Mt.6:6-9).
Between God and me.
Between leaders and me.
Between believers.
James calls leaders to pray for those they shepherd and for believers to
also pray in faith for one another.
Pray as a lifestyle (5:13-16)- when you’re in trouble, happy, sick or sin!
Constantly-
Personally-
Regardless of circumstances-
Pray believing (5:16-18)- Trust your heavenly Father to hear and respond.
James declares faithful praying is powerful and effective (v.16).
James uses Elijah as an example/challenge to pray in faith (vv.17-18).
Trust that God hears. He is a faithful listener.
Trust God to act: to aide, bless, heal, and forgive (and so much more!).
Trust God’s timing; believe He knows what is best when the timing is
right.
Wednesday Jan 30, 2019
Wednesday Jan 30, 2019
Walk This Way
“Be Patient & Wait on the Lord”
(James 5:7-12)
“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” (James 5:7-8, NIV)
James calls believers to exercise the practice of patience as we await the Lord’s return. Patience is an activity of faith. It is the practice of trusting God until He acts. Patience is a spiritual discipline worthy of our practice.
Practice patience as an activity of faith (5:7)-
Patience is faith in action.
Patience is the act of trusting God through the trials of life.
Even when you are ready to act for God.
Even when you are ready for God to act for you.
Practice patience as an act of wisdom (5:8)-
Waiting is wise. Waiting is an act of wisdom.
The difference is: Upon whom are you waiting & for what reason?
“Wait on the Lord” (v.8)- He is worth the wait!
His promise of return is worth the wait (1 Thes. 4:13-18)!
Consider 3 examples of godly patience in action (5:7,10, 11):
The farmer (v.7)-
The prophets (v.10)-
Job (v.11)-
God practices patience too (5:9, 11)!
Even God waits! It is an expression of His character & promise keeping.
His kindness is an expression of patient waiting (Rom.2:4; 2 Pet.3:9).
As the ultimate Judge, God waits to execute judgement.
God is the Merciful One. He waits on the rush to judgement.
God is full of compassion. He waits on the rush to wrath.
Wednesday Jan 30, 2019
Wednesday Jan 30, 2019
Walk This Way
“Practice Justice within Your Reach”
“Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you... Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty (James 5:1, 4).
Happy New Year! This month we’ll finish the book of James with a study of the truths from chapter 5. Do you want to honor God in the New Year? Then, do what is right when you have the opportunity (James 4:17).
How you use what God gives you matters.
God is the Giver of good gifts, including our new life in Jesus (1:17-18).
God expects us to walk in the grace of truth (1:19, 26).
Honor God with your life’s resources.
Steward = manage, invest, watch over well.
Steward well your time, energy, talents, wealth, and dreams.
Steward well your opportunity for something else too: to live justly.
Steward well the practice of justice within your reach (5:1ff).
How does James know of this injustice?
James is motivated to speak up for what the Lord Almighty hears (5:4).
What does James expect of the “rich people” he’s confronting (5:5-6)?
Look into your life- how can you be just and fair in dealing with people?
God hears/sees how we see and treat people (5:1ff; cf.2:1-13).
This prophetic warning (cf. Job 13:28ff; Amos 4:1ff) serves to motivate
us to please the Lord from the depths of His blessings to us.
James echos Jesus’ teachings (Mt. 6:19-21; Lk.12:15-21).
How will you respond to the need for justice within your reach?
How will you steward well what God has richly given you?
Friday Jan 04, 2019
Friday Jan 04, 2019
Friday Jan 04, 2019
Wednesday Dec 19, 2018
Wednesday Dec 19, 2018
Grown-up Christmas Questions
(Giving a Reason for Our Hope in Jesus)
“But, Why Am I So Favored?”
“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Lk.1:41-43)
Elizabeth’s question reflects her overwhelming feeling of double blessing (being pregnant with John and being Mary’s relative and receiving her pregnant with Jesus). While rhetorical, her question reflects her awareness of God’s great grace at work around her, and her humble awareness of her role in His plan. We too are greatly blessed! God’s blessing leads us to be a blessing to others.
But, Why Are We So Favored?
We are greatly Blessed (1:39-42)-
This encounter was a confirmation for both women of God’s grace.
We too have been greatly blessed by God!
An awestruck awareness of God’s great grace expressed in our lives!
The journey of faith is an on-going realization of God’s grace at work.
We are to be a Blessing (1:43-45)-
Their visit connected the dots of God’s design, yet the mystery remains!
Mary’s visit blessed Elizabeth. Elizabeth’s words blessed Mary.
Notice the humble acknowledgement of God’s role for them in His plan.
Recognize the blessing. Pass it along to others.
Share the blessing, don’t hoard it.
Because we are greatly blessed how can we bless others?
Praise the Lord for all He has done for you in Christ!
Develop a “pass it along” plan: ways to share God’s blessing.
Do this 1 thing: practice giving grace as freely as you’ve received it.