Fellowshipmtz

Futility of Life, GOD, and Salvation

Psalm 39!

From our normal series in James (chapter 4:13-17), we are departing to consider David's take on the subjects of humility, the vanity of life, God, and salvation.  A TERRIFIC insight on the last verse of the psalm was taken from Erling C. Olsen's (1896-1966) "Meditations in the Book of Psalms".

Humility of the Mouth

James 4:10-12

James applies the emphasized principle of humility in verses 6-10 to what we SAY about others (though modern day social media did not exist in the first century, I am confident James would want us to examine our posts and tweets in light of his warning).  To "speak evil against" is to "judge".  To "judge" is to cease being a doer of the law by making oneself equal with GOD (at least in respect to judgment).

A Church Glad & Rejoicing!

James 4:9 with Nehemiah 8

Stop! To get the most from this message, go back and listen to the previous week's message, "A Church Mourning & Weeping".  After gaining an appreciation for why and when the church ought to mourn, today's message turns a "180" as we consider Ezra's admonition, "This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep."

A Church Mourning & Weeping

James 4:9

James commands the church, "Be miserable and mourn and weep."  By and large, and for a variety of reasons (not the least of which is PRIDE), I think the church is largely uncomfortable with grief and sorrow.  As an example, I daresay our hymnals have many more songs devoted to joy and rejoicing than to sorrow and grieving!

Drawing Near to God

James 4:8 - "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.  Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people!"

Back from vacation, I resume our church's "regular" teaching from James' epistle.  Very importantly, James' instruction is both an INVITATION and a PROMISE!

Sabbath Rest & the Church

Not exactly sure how long, but for roughly 10-15 years I have studied and considered the Bible's teaching on Sabbath (REST) and how it does and does not apply to Christians in the Church.  This brief update, recorded here as a "Call to Worship" offers a glimpse into my most recent conclusions.  (I wrote a brief two page article that I can make available upon request.)

When the Church is Threatened

Acts 4:23-31

The apostolic church experiences its first wave of persecution when Peter & John are arrested and strictly forbidden to speak about Jesus of Nazareth.  What is the Church to do? (then and now!)  John Davis (recent MDiv graduate from Southern Seminary in Louisville) teaches/preaches today.

When Good Christians Disagree

Acts 21:1-16

Believe it or not, sometimes good Christians disagree on God's will and intention.  From Acts 21, Joe Kunzeman (an Overseer at our church) contrasts Paul's determined intention to GO to Jerusalem with other believers (including prophets) urging Paul NOT to go to Jerusalem.  The dynamics of the text provide a basis for addressing our own different persuasions as believers.

Dr. Paul Kissling

1 John 5:1-5

Seminary Old Testament professor at Lincoln Christian University, Dr. Paul Kissling, teaches from the New Testament in this visit to our church.  New birth, love, and obedience are all discussed.

Resisting Temptation, Sin, the Devil

James 4:6-7

GOOD NEWS / BAD NEWS:
The good news is that when Christians are tempted, GOD gives more grace (vs 6a); the "bad news" is "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."  In other words, so long as I am bent on preserving my pride (my self-important reputation) I am disqualifying myself from receiving the benefits of God's grace to overcome trials, to withstand temptations.