Sunday, September 27, 2015

27 September 2015 - ENCS

About James chapter four, today Nate Curtis did speak
As usual, he was knowledgable and emphatic, not meek
The chapter covers types of conflict numbering three
Perspectives on planning for tomorrow we also did see

On some relatively silly courses of war, Nate did share
About beards and buckets people clearly did overly care
Of conflict among ourselves, these examples were reflective
For it happens even if with fellow Christians we happen to live
Even though the first verse of Psalm one hundred thirty three
Says that it is good when God’s people live together in unity
Remember Abraham and Lot, Paul and Barnabas, and others
All were biblical examples of conflict between believing brothers
Nate said that James assuredly had other conflicts in his sights
Wars about class and employment as well as intra-church fights

There is also inflict within ourselves, a war inside our heart
Largely due to unchecked desire and selfishness on our part
To wrong thoughts and actions, this does all too often lead
And to unanswered prayers, for we don’t know what we need

Nate said that conflict with God is actually the overarching source
For this affects all other relationships and conflicts in due course
Being friends with the world, our flesh, and the devil take the form
Of unlawful desires, pride, and temptation becoming the norm

To enjoy peace with God we must therefore fully submit to His will
We draw near to God if purity and humility in our hearts we instill
And if we regularly resist the devil, the enemy will surely flee
Thus making our walk easier and bringing to God more glee

Verses thirteen to seventeen talk of perspectives on tomorrow
It is sin if we do not do good things that from the Bible we know
It is not wrong to plan, but we must always let God’s will prevail
His will is revealed in the Bible and the truisms never go stale
But Nate added that we must not just stick to the law’s letter
For actions may be permissible, but we should try to do better

In summary, we should understand the source of conflict in our life
And then take steps to rid ourselves of ungodly conflict and strife
And because we are but vapour wisps in time, per verse fourteen
We should live and plan our lives so that God’s will is always seen

Sunday, September 20, 2015

20 September 2015 - James 3

I am out of the country so will not hear the sermon today
But know that James chapter three is the topic of the day

With his direct and forceful style, James does continue
About “taming the tongue” many points he clearly knew
He warns that those who teach are judged more strictly
So to be careful as none of us can live our lives perfectly
James reminds us of the power of the bit in a horse’s mouth
And of a ship’s small rudder which can turn it east or south
One small spark can set off a forest fire killing trees very tall
Similarly, the tongue is powerful despite being quite small
James points out that many animals humans can tame
But taming the tongue's ‘deadly poison’ is not the same
With our words, we praise God and yet also curse others
Despite the fact that as God’s creations, all are brothers
In verse ten, James says that this dichotomy should not be
For from a spring, both salt and fresh water we do not see

About different types of wisdom James writes from verse thirteen
“Who is wise and understanding among you?” is the question seen
Wisdom is demonstrated by good deeds done with humility
“Bitter envy and selfish ambition" others should not see
For that is earthly, unspiritual, and not from heaven above
Wisdom from heaven is full of peace, sincerity, and love
Those "who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness”
And of course prevent themselves from causing a big mess

This chapter is a good reminder about words and actions for me
For both can uplift others for God or act as tools of the enemy
I must remember that words, once spoken, cannot be deleted
So it is better to hold my tongue until thoughts are completed
I must also remember that good deeds do not need to be viewed
For God sees all, whereas others’ observations can be skewed

Sunday, September 13, 2015

13 September 2015 - ENCS

On the book of James and its messages, Nate Curtis did continue
After providing some interest context, he focused on chapter two

By way of background, when James wrote his letter, Nate did say
The Roman Empire was at its zenith and all the people had to obey
There was a lot of social inequality which led to rising resentment
Similar to what we read about today, some people turned violent
“James the Just” encouraged people to do good deeds and work
Even in the face of persecution and often dealing with a big jerk
Many of his followers and readers would be tempted to retaliate
He said for them to have faith, persevere, and to love not hate

The first point Nate then talked about was the “sin of partiality”
Highlighting that we were all made in God’s image, “imago dei”
If we show favoritism, it implies one part of God we value more
Instead, remember that who we are in Christ should be our core
God loves us no matter what, but He also wants more from us
Differences among believers are irrelevant, Paul did oft discuss
In verses eight through eleven, James says favoritism is sin
If not merciful, we face judgment without mercy - with chagrin
Nate then quoted six reasons James said favouritism is wrong
Although he also said that the full list would be extremely long
When thinking about what this means for each of us individually
It is not merely a matter of those we come in contact with daily
Although we can all treat each person the same and with respect
There are situations with refugees and modern slavery to correct
Using a website, Nate has sixty eight slaves supporting his lifestyle
His points were hard hitting, making everyone think for quite a while

The second point Nate highlighted was about faith and action
“Grace+faith=salvation+good works” applies to every faction
From verse fourteen onwards, James talks about faith and deeds
We are called righteous when above our faith, our action exceeds
Every individual is God-created and part of a global community
By our love and actions, our Christian faith others will clearly see
Opportunities arise if we look at situations with a new perspective
Other societies and socio-economic groups can see how we live
Nate said the gospel is good news, but doesn’t always have advice
But is a way of life, in response to the fact that Jesus paid the price

In summary, Nate asked how we are being partial and what we can do
And with our every action, would James say that our stated faith is true

Monday, September 7, 2015

Excellence vs Perfectionism

The topic of “Excellence vs Perfectionism” was last night discussed
At Awaken Generation, where participation by students was a must
Excellence is of course a core kingdom principle
Whereas living a perfect life is somewhat mythical
Something on which we should all reflect
Is that only God and His Son are perfect
This of course is consistent with from the Old Testament we learn
That nobody can follow all of God’s commandments at every turn
Most scholars would agree that this set the stage for Jesus’ birth
Which was proof of God’s love and His view of our immense worth

So living our lives excellently is something to which we can strive
Even if perfection is a place that we can on this earth never arrive
For excellence relates to our heart, our effort, and our approach
We should do the right things right, and do all above reproach
This applies to our home, our friendships, and our workplace
This is what God expects and to others presents a good face
For others will see that we put in effort honest and complete
Thus influencing them as well as helping to the enemy defeat

6 September 2015 - ENCS

On “Overcoming Trials", for the Book of James series Pastor Josh did start
In the first verse, the fact that his brother Jesus was God James did impart

That we should consider trials as joy, come through in verses two through four
For the testing of our faith produces steadfastness, perseverance, and more
Josh reminded us that faith only exists for things that we can not actually see
That Jesus always keeps His Word is something to which we must all agree
Per Romans five, perseverance and trials necessarily lead to character
God stretches us to build us, not break us, from Scripture we must infer

Verse five states that God will grant wisdom to anyone lacking it who asks
But for this to eventuate, believing and not doubting are two critical tasks
If we are double-minded, as if being blown and tossed about by the wind
We will not receive God’s blessing for by doubting, we will have sinned

From verses nine to twelve, everything on earth will eventually fade away
But if we are steadfast in our trials, an eternal crown awaits, James did say
We should therefore invest in relationships with both God and other people
No matter their background, or even whether they worship under a steeple

Verse thirteen states that God will never put us in a position of temptation
Although sometimes when we face trials, we might feel the same sensation
Ironically, “temptation” and “trial” come from the same root word in Greek
Life has plenty of trials, so that is not something we ever have to seek

An important life lesson verses nineteen and twenty do clearly contain
We should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and from anger refrain
Having two ears and one mouth means that we should often talk less
And of course human anger does not bring about God’s righteousness

Verse twenty one says to get rid of moral filth and evil things we do
By humbling accepting the word planted, we can be saved anew
Our hearts need rain and lots of work, like farmland in Lubbock
For they determine whether the seed of faith grows, it’s not luck

We should be doers, not just readers, of the Word, per verse twenty two
For if we listen but do not act accordingly, then deception is what will ensue
Works are not necessary for salvation, but they are a natural consequence
Reading the Bible, loving others, and other good deeds should commence

Verse twenty six says that a religious person keep his tongue on a tight rein
Otherwise, he is deceiving himself and throws his religion down the drain
How to have a pure and faultless religion, the first chapter does conclude
Is to help widows and orphans as well as to avoid all things evil and lewd