Alive & Well

Living in the World But Not of the World // 1 Thessalonians 4

Living in the World, but not of the World // 1 Thessalonians 4
 
“Living in the World and not of the world.”  A statement that is used among Christian circles that has been adapted from the prayer of Jesus just before He gave Himself on the Cross….
 
14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.  John 17;14 NKJV
 
We are not “of this world”…means that heaven is your home.  Your father is in heaven. Your Savior is in heaven. Your reward is in heaven, All the glorified saints and redeemed loved ones are there. The church is in victory there. Your inheritance is there. A home is being prepared for you there.  So, We are not of this world, heaven is our home. 
 
15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify[i] them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.  — John 17:14-16 NKJV
 
Paul here is echoing the heart of Jesus to the church in Thessalonika and builds off of his exhortation in chapter 3, I pray that you would remain “holy and blameless at the coming of the Lord Jesus abounding more and more in love”…. Paul and Jesus make it very clear that while we are living in this world…we should be:
 
UNIFYING FORCE (towards those inside the church) — the greatest movement in all of human history.
IDENTIFYING MARK (towards those outside the church) — we are the “light of the world”, the “salt of the earth” — we light the darkness and bring flavor and preservation to humanity…
 
1 Thess. 4:2 — When we are growing in unity and establishing ourselves in holiness, we “PLEASE GOD”…and there should be a greater desire today to please God than there was yesterday….It should the “MOTIVE” of our hearts…it should be the “APPETITE” for our souls…Pleasing God should be at the heart of every Christian, it should be the very thing that we hunger for…
 
So today, let me share with you from this chapter, 3 ways to live in the world but not of the world.
 
#1.  Abstain from Sexual Immorality (v. 3-8)
Sexual Immorality is a matter of SELF-CONTROL —its a matter of discipline, a choice of the mind to willfully resist the passion of your flesh…
Sexual Immorality is the result of a DETACHMENT from marriage.Reference 1 Peter 3:7 & Ephesians 5:25-26…we should strive to sanctify and honor our marriages. 
Sexual Immorality will always become DESTRUCTIVE.It will break relationships and confuse, distort, steal, kill and destroy marriages.
The statistics are clear, the stories are tragically true.
Sexual Immorality is REBELLION against God.  ( a rejection of God and His standards resulting in the possibility of forgetting who God is and not Knowing Him )
Sexual Immorality will PROVOKE God’s wrath.
 
#2. Live Quietly Towards Others  (v. 9-12)
Avoid MEDDLING. “Mind your own Business” — life is challenging and full of lots of conflict and each of us have our own “Soap Operas”, but that doesn’t mean we should plaster the drama of our lives across social media platforms, at our places of employment, quietly live your life, quietly deal with your stress, quietly deal with the conflicts of your home, your soul, your body…your life is not meant to be played out in front of everyone!  Sometimes you need to be “quiet” about it.
Avoid IDLENESS. “Work with your hands” — apparently some were quitting their jobs in anticipation of the second coming, but Paul is urging them to not sit idle, but part of our calling and our sanctification is to work.
 
#3. Hope for Life Beyond the Grave (v. 13-18)
The Resurrection of Jesus means Life AFTER Death. (v. 13-14)
A typical gravestone to those who grieve with no hope might read…” I was not // I became // I am not // I care not…
We don’t “lose” people if we die in Christ, because we know where they will be found.
Even though we walk through the “valley of the shadow of death” we fear no evil…death is no longer a grim reaper, it is the final battle and the transformative moment into glory!
To be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord…
 
Death is a fact of life. The only way we can escape death is to be alive when the Lord Jesus Christ returns.
Death is not an accident; it is an appointment: “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Heb. 9:27).
 
Jesus will come again to RESURRECT and RAPTURE those who are in Christ.
 
The Rapture can be a very controversial topic.  We believe as a fellowship, that the best most clearly understood interpretation of scripture would cause us to believe  in what is called the pre-tribulation rapture of the church, where the Great Tribulation described in Revelation 6-18 is played out in the earth while we as believers are in heaven with Christ.    There will be a mass exit of Christians from the world, and it will happen immanently and quickly as in the twinkling of an eye.)
 
No one will miss it…it is the most spectacular moment in all of human history and the loudest verse in the Bible!
With a SHOUT. — To announce His APPEARING. (This is the “alarm clock” for humanity…Christ will be heard and He Himself will descend upon the earth. 
With an ARCHANGEL. — To announce His JUDGMENT (
With the TRUMPET OF GOD. — To announce His VICTORY. (This is a signal of great events of rejoicing, resurrection, and redemption for humanity!)
 
Here is my URGENT EXHORTATION:
 “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:11-14).
Hold on to everything God has given you and don’t let go!
Make it your priority to PLEASE GOD in every area of your life!
Encourage others with our blessed hope beyond the Grave!
 

3 Factors that Help Us Remain Steadfast

3 Factors that Help Us Remain Steadfast // 1 Thessalonians 3
 
There is revival in the church at Thessalonika amidst severe persecution.  Paul expressively makes it clear that he is concerned about the vulnerability of this early church to the “Tempter” and that the ministry that was done among them by be in vain.   Paul knew that life and vitality in the church was not built on “revivals”.  They are necessary, but the seeds that are planted in revival, if not watered and nurtured and cared for will not bear fruit or a harvest, making the work of that revival meaningless.  He is eagerly wants to get back to this church and continue the work of ministry among them, so that he can “perfect” what is lacking in their faith.   This is not a prideful blow to the church, but a heartfelt honest motive to assist the early church in their spiritual growth and vitality, that they might lack nothing on the day of persecution or in the face of temptation. 
 
SATAN “THE TEMPTER”:
He is an AGGRESSIVE enemy, POWERFUL that can affect both the natural and supernatural worlds. 
Satan is an angel that rebelled against God and has NO OTHER MOTIVE than to steal, kill and destroy your life and faith in God.  He is real, not symbolic, HE IS CONSTANTLY WORKING AGAINST GOD and anyone who chooses to obey and put their faith in Him. 
Satan tempted Eve in the garden persuading her, coercing her to sin resulting in the fall of mankind that would separate them from the perfection of God’s beauty and presence,
it is noted that he tempted Jesus in the desert, persuading him with the Word of God.    Jesus would not succumb to his strategies, but would be tempted in every way and at all points just like all of us yet would be without sin.  Because temptation is not sin.
Here’s what we can CONCLUDE, that while the Tempter has access to humanity, anyone who calls on Jesus and believes in His kingdom, will experience temptation, and struggle, and affliction, and persecution, with a possibility of falling short of the promise of eternal life in Christ…
this is why Pauls ays in Ephesians that our battle is not against flesh & blood but against the principalities of this world…so Paul’s concern is that these believers would have “EVERYTHING THEY NEED TO REMAIN STEADFAST in their faith. 
 
So let me conclude 3 Factors that help us remain steadfast in our faith and in our struggle to be diligent for faith while living in this world…
 
#1.  A CONCERNED Heart
You need someone in your corner!!! You need a prayer champion // someone who has your back // a trusted companion // a pillar of strength and support // someone who cheers you on // who empathizes and compassionately is concerned for you PERSONALLY.  a) “Night and day” they prayed.  Paul was a praying minister and understood the most powerful way to invest and show concern for others is through VOICING THAT CONCERN TO JESUS.  I’ve heard it said, count it a PRIVILEGE when someone says “I’ll be praying for you”:  because many people will pray collectively or in general for a church, a city, a workplace, our nation…but when someone prays specifically and personally just for you, your family, your finances, your health, your well being…wow, that’s someone who is deeply concerned for you, and you need them in your corner.
 
#2. An ENCOURAGING Voice
PROTECTS — defending you in the battle…this is the voice in the battle, the cheerleader on the sideline, the one who sees you score the touchdown and SHOUTS YOUR VICTORY WHEN YOU’RE TOO TIRED TO SHOUT!
PRESERVES — sometimes we need people to REMIND us, to AFFIRM what has already been established in our lives.  There’s skills, talents, experiences, wisdom that’s been developed in your life.  And when the trial, the storm, the difficulty and discouragement sets in, we often forget how God has set us up to win.  And that encouraging voice comes in, its the coach that says, look you’ve been practicing, I’ve seen your skills on the field, I’ve seen how you handle yourself with the other team members, I know you can do this, get out there, win this fight, don’t give up, its the voice that says “you’ve got the goods”… Its the voice in your corner when you’re beat up, when you’ve no longer have a fight in you, its the voice that says “you got this” …
PROVIDES — believing for you, something you don’t believe for yourself.  In the mirky waters of discouragement, it is so easy to lose your way.  We need people like that in our corner…who will not only pray but BE A VOICE, to boost our confidence // motivate our resilience // and inspire us towards growth //helping us to PURSUE THE PURPOSES THAT GOD HAS FOR US!
 
#3.  The WORK of the Holy Spirit ( NOT JUST THE POWER of the Spirit, or even the presence of the Spirit)
 
The Work of the H.S. causes us to Increase & Abound in Love (1 Corinthians 13) — if you are not GROWING IN YOUR LOVE TOWARDS OTHERS, meaning today you love people more than you did yesterday, Paul is saying its not enough to say “I love people” we must say “I am loving people” I am actively growing and abounding and increasing in love……THIS LOVE GOES BEYOND WELCOMING AND ACCEPTANCE, that’s the initial step, church is meant to welcome the sinner and accept the sinner, but we must go way beyond that if transformation is to take place. This love is a “deep” work of the Holy Spirit in our lives through ups and downs, the conflicts, the wars, the struggles, the disappointments, the disagreements, the anger, the bitterness, the resentment that we have with others…it is the profound work of the Holy Spirit building relationships with one another built on the very Loving nature of God
The Work of the H.S. establishes us Blameless for Holy Living.
BLAMELESS = Formed by the Fruit of the Spirit (Read and Reflect on Gal. 5)
HOLINESS = Motivated by the Vision of God (Read and Reflect on Isaiah 6)
 
So, TAKE ACTION today:
CONNECT to people who are deeply concerned for you.
RECEIVE the words of encouraging voices in your life.
SURRENDER to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit.
 
 

5 Ways to Walk Worthy of the Calling

5 Ways to Walk Worthy // 1 Thessalonians 2
 
Even though history tells us during WW II, the Nazi Regime wiped out entire villages in the Thessaloniki area.  But this wasn’t the first time that the Thessalonians experience persecution.  It is clear from Paul the apostle and in this chapter that the early church was experiencing fierce opposition to the Gospel and severe persecution, yet these Christian Jews had significant resolve and a tenacious spirit when it came to their faith in Christ. 
 
The church in Thessalonika was a new church plant and had exploded, becoming very known for a mighty move of God and transformation in the city. 
In the second chapter, Paul encourages and exhorts the believers to walk worthy of the calling on their lives.  A calling to honor God and to persevere in the midst of trials and persecution that they were facing. 
He also reflects on his time with the church which we understand was about 3 weeks.  He reminds them of his motivation, and heart and desire for the people and for his deep gratitude for how appreciative the  preaching ministry that he and his team brought to them. 
 
This chapter is great reflection for those entering into ministry or any leadership position in the church, but it is also applicable to all of us, we are all called to walk with God in a worthy way. 
Micah 6:8 tells us what does the Lord require of us? To do justice, love mercy and “WALK HUMBLY” with your God. 
So today, I felt led to share 5 ways that we can walk worthy of this Calling that God has for each of us as we reflect on Paul’s ministry to the church here in Thessalonika.
 
#1. Avoid Dishonest or Misleading Encouragement towards others. (v. 3-6)
 
Paul expresses that they have been “approved by God” and “entrusted with the Gospel” and makes it clear that he did not come to “please man” nor did they seek “glory from man” but came obediently under God’s command.   
 
This was a CORE VALUE to Paul’s ministry, for he said in Galatians 1:10 “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” 
 
Paul says we did not use “flattery, in other words, sweet talk or drip honey from the mouth.  They did not walk with “cloaks of Covetousness”, in other words, greed was not their motivation or even a self-gratifying purpose.  And he says we did not “make demands”, in other words demand respect, submission, praise, or special treatment because of their apostleship.
 
#2.  Impart your life towards others with gentleness and concern.  (2:7-12)
 
Paul had a desire to not just impart content, but to impart his life.  He wanted his ministry to have blood, sweat and tears.  He wanted his ministry to go beyond paper and into the person.  He wanted an impartation an investment in the life of others
Paul describes their ministry with the illustration of being like parents, an Affectionate Mother — and a Motivating Father
He was gentle, kind and sensitive to the needs of the early church, but also lived his life by setting an example for others what it means to walk worthy of the calling of God. 
Gentleness and Concern are the greatest way to invest in the lives of others.
 
#3.  Appreciate the Effectiveness of the Ministry of the Word.  (2:13)
Paul found his deepest gratitude in this church’s appreciation and appropriation of the word of God. 
 
He uses this term that they “welcomed it”, not critiqued it, scrutinize it or become skeptical of it, they did not dismiss it or reject it, they did not deny it, resist it, or oppose it, they were not indifferent or disinterested in it and they did not misappropriate it but rather applied it directly to their own lives.
 
They believed in its “effective work”.  The Thessalonian Church was hungry for Paul’s ministry.  They were not filled up from all the other preachers in town or even from their own study of God’s word, nor were they satisfied with small groups of fellowship that they had with other christians,  they welcomed the effective powerful anointed preaching of the Gospel from Paul, Silas and Timothy.
 
#4. Do not live up to the measure of man’s sinfulness but rather Christ’s righteousness. (2:14-16)
Paul begins to reference the persecution that he and they had faced from the religious authorities, and he finishes it with this statement that they have filled up to the measure of their sin, and wrath has come upon them.
 
Jesus and his message of the Gospel challenges man’s righteousness, when the woman caught in adultery was brought to him, the pharisees tried to challenge Jesus with the law, but Jesus turns the condemnation of this woman completely around to be pointed at every one else…he who has no sin cast the first stone.  A challenge to man’s righteousness.  He challenged the pharisee’s righteousness with this woman’s sin, and proved the weakness of that method of judgment.
 
In other  words we are tempted to measure our righteousness and our status with God based upon the failures and sins of others…well, I’m not as bad as they are…and we keep those people around us, so that we can continue to remain “perfect” in our own perception but perfection in Scripture is not measured by the sins of others, but measured by the righteousness of Christ.
 
#5.  Eagerly desire to worship and rejoice with other believers.  (v. 17-20)
I’ve “endeavored more eagerly”, in other words there was an increase of ENTHUSIASM and DETERMINATION to gather with these people.  Enthusiasm built on the fact the Paul saw the  church as his hope, his joy…everything was built on “shared” glory, worship, experiences in God’s presence…and he determined with great desire to “see your face”…he didn’t FaceTime, zoom, YouTube, instagram…when he said I desire to “see your face”, it meant, I want to be with you, in the same space and time as you are…because this is my hope, my joy and my crown. 
 
But Satan hindered me…there is always a reason to not come to church…look, walking worthy of the calling of God, in respect to the return of Christ, when He comes for His church, I don’t want to be found indulging in the world, lusting after the flesh, pursuing worldly wealth or earthly pleasure… when Jesus comes, I want to be rejoicing with His church, I want to be worshipping with His church, I want to be praying and weeping and living and sharing moments with His church …because its His Church that He’s coming for…Its the bride of Christ that He’s coming for…
 
Hebrews 10:25 — don’t forsake the gathering together…
 
Don’t forget what Paul said, our ministry is not in vain. What we do here, what is happening in our services, in our gatherings, in meetings is not in vain, the preaching of the word, the worship and praise that is released, the prayers that are prayed in the faith, the fellowship that is enjoyed all of it is NOT IN VAIN.
 
So in summary 5 ways to walk worthy of the calling of God on your life:
Avoid dishonesty.
Live with kindness.
Appreciate the Preaching of the Word
Measure your life by Christ
Gather together with the Church.

4 Ways the Gospel Shapes the Church // 1 Thessalonians 1

4 Ways the Gospel Shapes the Church // 1 Thessalonians 1
 
#1.  MOTIVATION. (1:2-3)
Paul is not silent about how important these three virtues are to those who choose to follow Christ. 1 Corinthians 13:13— “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
Galatians 5:5–6 “But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope… The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”
1 Peter 1:21–22 “Your faith and hope are in God… . Have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart”
 
Faith, hope and love is what keeps us from being so heavenly minded we are of no earthly good, but it also, keeps one hand on God while the other hand is outworking itself towards people. 
 
They do not work independently of each other, but rather are the ingredients that make up the quality of a Christian life.
 
Two things I want us to note about these three ingredients of the Christian life.First, each one is OUTGOING. 
Faith is always directed towards God, IT PULLS US UP towards God in faith //
Love is best expressed in a selfless manner and PULLS US OUT towards others,
Hope is the force outside of us that PUSHES US ON into God’s promises. 
These three cannot be found within yourself, when the gospel penetrates your life, it pulls you out of yourself, towards God expressing itself to others in love! 
 
The Second thing, is that each one is PRODUCTIVE. 
Paul emphasizes here that faith is “producing” something. Work is defined “as the application of energy, skills and knowledge to accomplish something”. 
The “labors of love” come from two greek words: 
“labor” which means “kotos” =  is the fatiguing nature of what is done or the magnitude of the exertion required”
“agape” and this term is best understood when contrasted with another biblical word for love called “eros”.  Eros is built on an idea of love that is expressed through the desire to take possession of something that looks to add value to our lives, where agape looks to give and add value to someone else’s life.  Agape is the inversion of Eros.  Our labors of love are meant to produce something of value in another human being. 
 
#2. TRANSFORMATION.  (v. 4-5)
Paul reminds the believers of “their election by God”.  The doctrine of election can become something that is confusing and quite alarming to us…
Election is not privilege, or exclusivity…it doesn’t take away the responsibility of your free will, its not meant to bring despair or hopelessness that we didn’t make the cut, and its definitely not meant to illustrate the unjust quality of our God. 
But still no explanation of God’s election can be given without a deep understanding of God’s love:
Salvation begins with God. 
Salvation involves the love of God.
Salvation is received through faith.
Salvation changes and transforms your life.
 
#3.  TRANSMISSION. (v. 6-8)
The Gospel shaped these believers in a way that made them examples beyond their own city into Macedonia and Achaia.  They became a “regional telecommunication satellite” transmitting messages of faith, hope and love in every place.
The greek term “execheo” which is the term “sounded forth” implies a sound that was continuing, it was not just a passing whim…it was reverberating and echoing out into the world. 
The word of the Lord “sounded forth” not only regionally, but in every place.   There was some “holy gossip” being spread in every place.
The believers did this in Thessalonica without Facebook , YouTube, instagram or TikTok.  They had no cell phones, no internet, no texting capability, no technology. 
It should make us think? What is the “sound” of our Church, or our faith? 
 
#4.  EXPECTATION. (v. 9-10)
Lastly Paul ends this first chapter in the letter with a reference to the second coming of Christ which is a theological term called “Eschatology”
The second advent of Christ means that history is moving to a particular conclusion. That conclusion centers in the coming of Christ the King to establish eternally the kingdom of God which began with His first advent. The kingdom will be complete when, and only when, He comes again.” 
There are two main elements of His Second Coming:
The Coming Wrath
The Rapture
Ultimately, we have hope that there is a deliverer in whom you believe, there is a savior that covers your sin, that there is One in whom you believe died on a cross and was raised from the dead to give you full assurance of faith, a blessed hope of salvation from whatever and however that wrath plays out in the earth.
You can have full assurance that regardless of the timing of the rapture, or the timing of your death.  You will be reunited with loved ones in the Fatih, you will have life beyond the wrath of sin and death.  You have eternal peace, joy and fullness of life forever more!  You will have no more sickness, no more pain, no more tears, no more crying, no more struggle…You will have life!
Wait for that today.
 
Conclusion
 
What’s your response to the Gospel, how is it shaping your life?  Every believer and every church must embody the gospel, its not enough to receive it, we must pass it on, and embody it with our life through faith, joy, peace, love, righteousness and hope.
 
So three words to help you embody it… Paul says … TURN, SERVE AND WAIT!
 
• TURN:  We should turn from sin to God because Christ is coming to judge the earth. Have you turned to God? If so, from what? What difference has it made in your life?
 
• SERVE:  We should be fervent in our service because we have little time before Christ returns. Are you serving God? If so, how? Is he pleased with your work for him?
 
• WAIT:  We should be waiting for Christ to return and always be ready because we don’t know when he will come. Do you eagerly await the coming of Christ from heaven? Why or why not?

Establish Your Hearts // James 5

JAMES 5 // Establish Your Heart
 
As part of our faith here, we believe in what is called the immanent return of Christ where Jesus can return at any moment and we who are followers of Him will be “caught up” or raptured before the Great Tribulation.  (1 These. 5:1-2; 4:17; Matt. 24:36-44.
 
There is hope and comfort in this promise, yet there is this warning of being watchful, and ready and there should also be a motivation for holy living and to be ready for His return.  To what James says “Establish Your hearts”.
 
The book of James here to help us, not to condemn us, but rather to shape us and to make us ready for that moment, not to to scare us or to discourage us…but he has some tough love here…and its good for us to hear him out…in chapter 5 he ends with what I would call 7 ways to establish your heart for the coming of the Lord.
 
#1.  Do the good that you know you should do. (4:17)
What James is referring to is what many in the church call sins of “omission”.  It when we avoid doing the good thing that God has told us to do. 
Regardless of the reason, the result is you miss the mark, you miss your potential, something is left UNDONE, UNFINISHED and James says…to establish your hearts for the return of the Lord, don’t leave anything undone, unfinished, don’t hesitate, don’t put it off, don’t ignore the good that God is commanding you to do. 
 
#2.  Do not store up your treasures here on earth. (5:1-6)
James is echoing the words of Jesus and yet kind of building off of it a more severe warning…the dishonest and exploitation of the poor to become rich will become your accuser and when you are living in self-indulgence and the pleasures of the world, you’re just fattening up yourself for the day of slaughter…quite alarming imagery.
Examine your intentions behind why you spend money, evaluate your spending habits and consider how much value you place on earthly treasures.  Consider your generosity towards others, but most of all be careful that you don’t enter into eternity worshipping Wealth and riches and trade the inheritance of the saints for the inheritance of this world. (Eph. 1:18-19)
 
#3. Do not grumble against one another. (5:9)
Grumbling against one another is not only looked down upon, it severely grieves the heart of God and puts us in danger of judgment….
Look, God wiped out an entire generation of people in the wilderness because of grumbling…
How do you handle a disagreement, a conflict?  
Do you grumble over poor communication in your relationships with others?
Do you grumble about the unfair treatment you see in the world?
Do you grumble when others get favor and you don’t?
James is saying you don’t want to enter into heaven grumbling about the people you will be spending the rest of eternity with OR the God who you will be worshipping!
 
#4.  Develop the Perseverance of Job (5:10-11)
The story of Job is is an epic drama that unfolds in heaven and on earth...God picks a fight with Satan at Job’s expense...all that Job knew, was the devastation of his circumstance, the deterioration of his body and the despair and sorrow of all that he was losing in the test…That’s the STORY of Job, but the PERSEVERANCE of Job is that even faced with all of this…He stayed humble, He kept worshipping, and he remained holy and blameless.
James wants us to consider the perseverance of Job when we face our trials, when the invisible reality of our suffering is trying to shake us, and prove to us that God doesn’t love you…James wants us to be reminded that God is merciful and compassionate and will never leave you alone in your suffering!
 
#5.  Do not over promise and under deliver on your commitments (5:12)
 
Trust is a crucial foundation to any relationship and when we over promise and under deliver, we can damage our reputation and no longer become trustworthy.  And James is saying don’t throw God under the bus. …don’t use God to build up your own credibility… Don’t say God told me to do this and then not do it…don’t make promises in God’s name….just let your yes be yes and no be no…So, don’t be foolish in your promises, but THINK THROUGH and FOLLOW THROUGH on every promise and commitment you make to God, to yourself and to one another…
 
#6. Filter everything through prayer (5:13-18)
James is saying the first thing you should always do is “Look Up” don’t look around, don’t look down, don’t even look within…LOOK UP!
Are you suffering —- PRAY TO GOD
Are you enjoying life — PRAISE GOD FOR IT!
Are you sick — CALL THE ELDERS, the men who are standing representing God, and let them pray over you…
Be careful  to filter your life through anything before you filter it through prayer
…give God a chance first!  Communicate your needs to the Lord
…seek His wisdom and guidance
… surrender control and live with confidence in God first
…align your emotions and your decisions and your  perspectives with God first
… Prioritize God’s power, provision and purpose for your life!
James is saying to establish your heart for the return of God,  you better be looking up!! Or you might miss it!
 
#7.  Live with grace for one another (5:16; 19-20)
There is a growing need for us to embrace sinners and what James is referencing is specifically “the Backslider” with the love of the Gospel…we are facing social, emotional and psychological issues in unprecedented measures…that are wiping the next generation right out of the church…so many are turning away from the faith…
What James is saying is we need to build a culture inside the church of mutual confession, bearing one another’s burdens and sin….the church exists not for self-righteous people who come together and celebrate how perfect they are…but rather the church exists for the sinner,
every Sunday should be a party for the prodigal, every time we gather it should be a dinner party with Jesus for the tax collector, the prostitute; our services should be filled with the fragrance of those who are anointing God with oil from a broken alabaster jar…the church needs to become a house of worship that offers…
 hope when there is none.
encouragement when it is needed most.
kindness despite being surrounded by hate.
compassion in a world that have become victimized by terrible injustices.
patience when the circumstances shout revenge.
A helping hand to dust them off,  so they can regain their strength and flourish in life.
Utlimately to offer them the forgiveness and redemption through Jesus.
 
If the rapture took place today? And Christians were removed from the earth, would the world be relieved? Or would it be the most devastating moment in all of human history? Not just because of the shock of a mass exit of people from the earth, but the despair of losing those who represent the glory and beauty of God’s presence here on the earth…losing those who carry the only true message of hope that restores, love that redeems and peace that passes all of our understanding …
 
I ask the question as we conclude the message of James…Have we as the church established ourselves and our heart as the beautiful , pure, spotless and glorious Bride of Christ? 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Church Wars // James 4

James 4 // Church Wars
 
Unfortunately for my triplets, they never had the chance to be an only child and one thing that is guaranteed to come with being a triplet is sibling rivalry.  I would say it all began at about 2 years old and the conflict comes and goes…but right now our biggest conflict is getting on the bus for school…me first, me first, I’m always in the middle, I don’t want to be last, I’m not going to school, oh yes you are, no, then I’m not going either, fine, I’ll get to sit all by myself…and the war goes on…and then dad has to put on the boxing gloves and try to bring peace to the conflict…just as much as anyone who has been a part of a large family knows what sibling rivalry is, so it if you’ve been around the church for a little while, you know what Church rivalry is…
Church conflict not something that any one of us are too unfamiliar with…we fight over doctrine, the direction and the dollars…what we believe, what  we hope for , where we find purpose all can and oftentimes become a conflict and issue of contention…and we put up the boxing gloves…yet in James terminology … we go to war…
 
Why are churches, new and old, conflict-prone?
Is it because God calls difficult and damaged people into fellowship with him?
Is it because our culture is ever - changing and sub-cultures are ever - evolving?
Is it because there are so many different musical preferences and we are just driven by an entertainment culture?
Is it because of the consumer-culture that has invaded our churches?
Is it because of different interpretations of the Bible and different theologies?
Is it because churches are liable to power-plays?
Is it because people come from different church backgrounds, and expect their new church to be like their old church?
Is it because people who feel they are losing influence and power use the church to gain their control back?
Is it because people can get over-excited about small issues, like the colou of the new carpet?
Is it because people in ministry sometimes find it difficult to work together?
Is it because we are dealing with the most important issues in the world:That God created us to be with Him and our sin separates us from him
That we are declare that through Christ all are saved and given eternal life
And that eternal life is something to be lived out right now…
 
 
Why is there war in the church?  (3 Reasons)
 
#1.  An Insatiable Appetite (v.1-3)
ENVY = driven by thing we cannot obtain, resulting in a deep feeling of discontentment or resentment.
LUST = driven by an intense desire for things you cannot have or should not have
PLEASURE = driven to satisfy pleasure often times through the things of the world.
 
This insatiable attitude breeds a culture where we:
Cannot be grateful for what we have from God.
Cannot rest in who we are in Christ
Cannot celebrate the successes of others
Cannot be secure from the snare of comparison and competition
Cannot admit our own jealousies or insecurities
Cannot be content because of the disorder on the inside.
Cannot see answers to prayers (our prayers are blocked and hindered.
 
These attitudes unchecked will inevitably blind us to the good gifts God has already given us. It will undermine our ability to fulfill the role God has for us as a church.
 
#2. A friendship with the World (v.4-6)
 
You become a spiritual adulterer
You become an enemy of God
You stir the Jealousy of the Spirit
 
SCRIPTURAL EXAMPLES:
KING SOLOMON - 1 Kings 11:1-10 = flirtation with foreign women resulting in the DIVISION of the Kingdom of Israel.
KING HEZEKIAH - 2 Kings 20:12-19 = allowing the enemy access to God’s treasure eventually would lead to the CAPTIVITY and EXILE of Jerusalem…are we allowing the world to invade the inner court of our sanctuaries?  To gain access to what is God’s…if so we potentially put the church at a risk for captivity and exile…
PROPHETIC WARNING OF EZEKIEL — Ezekiel 16:26-29 = committed harlotry with Egypt; Assyria; and Babylon…you’re playing with world, flirting with these nations, because you were INSATIABLE.  I wasn’t enough for you God says…
 
Our pursuits in this world become dangerous when they violate our allegiance to God or activate His jealousy of us.
 
How do we stop wars in the church? (5 ways)
#1.  Resist the devil. — are you in compliance with the devil, are you living out the resistance that stops his flow and power in your life.
#2.  Draw near to God — This is the command that bears a promise.  You draw near to God, He will draw near to you. 
 
Psalm 145:18 tells us that the Lord is near to all who call on him
Jeremiah 29:13 reminds us that if we seek God, we will find him when we seek Him with all our heart.
 
I love the worship song that says “The More I seek You, the more I find You”… our seeking of God is perpetual, its continuous, and indefinite…meaning if you want more wisdom, seek it and you will find more…if you want more passion, seek God and He will fill you with more joy, love, peace…
The Psalmist writes about a deer that pants for water, so my soul pants for you…are you thirsty today?
 
#3. Purify your hearts. — Then James says, purify your hearts and cleanse your hands…you double-minded.  Remember, Paul fought this internal war in Romans 7, saying who will rescue me from this double-minded war…I do what I don’t want to do…and then he writes in chapter 8, there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…
 
In the Bible, cleanliness means being pure, spotless, without blemish, in its perfect original and God-designed righteous state. Something can become “unclean” by being defiled, but to become clean means to restore something to its natural and innocent state.
Purity is found in the blood of Jesus Christ, symbolically cleansing you from all unrighteousness.   Are you washed in the blood? 
 
Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water (Hebrews 10:22).
 
#4. Grieve your sin.Lament — referring to a deep sorrow or regret often vocalize in songs or passionate expression, sometime public involving a ceremony of repentance.  This is why we offers songs that give you a voice to lament, this is why we have altars in our church, this is why we recite scripture…to lament…
Mourn — meaning to respond with a deep emotional sadness, emptiness, a longing for something that was lost…these are times when we get quiet with God, reflect on our sinful condition, contemplate the behaviors and actions of our sinful nature, and privately express our brokenness over the grieving of God’s spirit.
Weep — and sometimes we need to cry, we need to shed a tear, we need to release an actions that reflects these emotions…Psalm 56:8 says tat the Lord keeps count of my tears, he records my misery, and puts my tears in His bottle.  We cry tears in our adverstiy and affliction, but what about crying over the moments that we break the heart of God?
 
#5. Humble Yourself in the Sight of God. — What does James mean here?  You don’t have the final say & what you say should not be spoken with evil intent…See the problem is so much the mouth as it is the heart…
….You don’t have to go too far and you are going to find yourself around imperfect, weak and sinful people. 
….Another reason is that its so much easier to point the finger than it is to show mercy. And walk alongside with somebody to love them through the change.
…..But James would say the hardest part of this struggle is the pride that is deep within us, that causes our heart to be deceived into thinking we’re more wiser, disciplined, and righteous than we really are.
 
It’s so much easier to take a convicting sermon and be thankful that somebody who isn’t here needs to hear it, rather than appreciate the sovereign grace of God that He placed you here because you needed to hear it.
 
…our judgment must be submitted to God’s judgment, we must keep our judgment of others in check with our humility to God…
 
Do not live outside or above the will of God. —James also tells us to rise above arrogance and presumption….don’t think you can live outside the will of God even if you choose to do so…your life is a vapor and God is sovereign over your time spent here on earth…
 
Proverbs 16:9 — “the heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
Provers 27:1 — “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do no know what a day may bring”
Proverbs 19:21 — “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
 
James is not not giving us a magical phrase “thy will be done” that secures the future we’ve always wanted or desired…
Your future is unpredictable and there is a mystery waiting to unfold, but God is the Only One who can promise you that the mystery of your future will play out His goodness in your life.
He’s saying there is uncertainty, ambiguity and a path that is yet to be determined for your future, but God knows the plans He has for you, to prosper you and give you a hope and a future in Him and His purpose
James is saying For with God all things are possible, with God all things work together for Good, with God you will not grow weary, with God you will run and not lose heart, with God you can do everything, with God you find contentment in every circumstance, whether high or low, plenty or in want, with God fear has no control over you.
 
From the lyrics of “Fear is not my future”
Let God turn it in your favor
Let God work it for your good
Fear is not your future
Sickness is not your story
Heartbreak is not your home
Death is not the end
 
So Hope in the Lord, trust in the One who takes hold of your right hand and says Do not fear, I will help you…
cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you, Trust in the Rock Eternal, Be Still and know that He is God and not you!
 
For God gives Grace, grace that will cause satan to flee,
grace that give you a greater awareness of His presence with you, 
and a grace that will lift you up and bring you out of the war and into His peace!
 

Taming the Tongue // James 3

James 3 // Taming the Tongue
 
Christianity is a teaching movement. 
Jesus stated to his disciples go into all the world and tell the world, teach them everything I have taught you…In the early church, Teachers or in other ways might be called Elders, Deacons, Bishops, Pastors or Apostles were highly respected and vital to the initial growth of the early church and they are still to this day…
For the transmission of the Gospel and the foundational teachings of Jesus to be spread, there must be teaching…
For the doctrine of the Church…teachers lay groundwork and fences that keep heresies and false distortions of the truth from getting in.
For the equipping of the saints…teachers are here to serve and equip the church, building them up in the faith and helping them to discover their spiritual gifts.
 
Teachers no longer need a wooden pulpit but are now given platforms that are digital and non-digital across varied audiences. 
 
I would define Teachers are those who deliver any content meant to spread awareness, inspiration, instruction, insight, or engagement with God’s word that might help others build faith and grow closer to God….
 
This is a worthy calling, to be a communicator of the greatest message of hope in all of human history, but James is warning us that we should be ready to accept  the responsibility of God’s People and be aware of the  accountability to God’s Judgment in our teaching.
 
Consider the INFLUENCE OF THE TONGUE:
 
Words spoken primarily for Knowledge without love is dangerous…there are so many different perspectives, thought patterns, experiences… we might have complete understanding of the content that we teach, but YOU CAN’T SAY TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT..  many times we have no idea how that content will be received because of the magnitude of the depravity and sinful nature of those who might be hearing that message. 
 
James and Paul are saying none of us are perfect and our words have great potential to make others stumble…
 
WORDS CAN TRIP US UP AND SLOW US DOWN OR IGNITE AND INSPIRE TO SHAPE OUR FUTURE!!
Our tongues have the influence to determine  character. = who we BECOME
Our tongues have the influence to determine our destiny. = where we GO
 
 
Consider the INIQUITY OF THE TONGUE:
 
90% of all wildfires are started by humans. …whether its a cigarette that you fell asleep with in your hand, or a kid playing with fire…all it takes is a spark, and devastation and destruction is upon us…
 
It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell. — Eugene H. Peterson, The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2005), Jas 3:5–6.
 
James has three different phrases to describe the iniquity of the tongue:
A “World of Iniquity” — this term is the direct opposite to truthfulness and rightness…our tongues have the power to rewrite the narrative, to spin the truth, so that our world is turned upside down…
“Our very existence” — I call it the triple C, the critic, cynic and complainer all have the ability to define our very existence…our tongues can determine our perspective of relationships, circumstance and decisions.
“Set on fire by hell itself” — hell is termed “Gehenna” where the trash is…James is saying that our words can ignite all the trash in our world…the trash of hatred, racism, prejudice, lust, pride, envy, …
 
Consider the INCONSISTENCY OF THE TONGUE:
 
Our words are meant to Bring REFRESHMENT. - Proverbs 11:25 says he who refreshes others, shall be refreshed himself…Matthew 25, Jesus said I was thirsty and you gave something to drink…
Our words are meant to Bear FRUIT. — what do your words speak? Proverbs 18:21 says the power of life and death are in the tongue…Jesus said that a good man brings good that is stored up in his heart, but an evil man bring out evil, for out of the mouth the heart speaks…
 
So, James in this passage paints a very sobering and hopeless picture of humanity and our inability to control our tongue…we stumble, we are imperfect, we can’t tame it, we set forest fires, we breed poison, we curse…
 
Romans 14:12: "So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God." This verse reminds believers that ultimately, we will have to answer to God for our actions and decisions.
 
Hebrews 4:13: "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." This verse emphasizes that God sees everything and that there is no hiding from His knowledge and judgment.
 
2 Corinthians 5:10: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad."
 
Jesus was not silent about the judgment of our words…
 
Luke 12:1-3 (the message) By this time the crowd, unwieldy and stepping on each other’s toes, numbered into the thousands. But Jesus’ primary concern was his disciples. He said to them, “Watch yourselves carefully so you don’t get contaminated with Pharisee yeast, Pharisee phoniness. You can’t keep your true self hidden forever; before long you’ll be exposed. You can’t hide behind a religious mask forever; sooner or later the mask will slip and your true face will be known. You can’t whisper one thing in private and preach the opposite in public; the day’s coming when those whispers will be repeated all over town.
 
Your tongue has the power to influence, so pray that the words of your mouth and the meditation of your heart may be pleasing unto God and bring refreshment to others bearing the fruit of self-control, gentleness and kindness. 
 
 
 

Embracing a Faith that Works // James 2

JAMES 2 // Embracing Faith
In the same way that a flashlight needs batteries to provide light, our faith needs something to power it. Just as the batteries serve as the energy source for the flashlight, our relationship with God through Jesus Christ serves as the power source for our faith.
The batteries in a flashlight are specifically designed to fit and function properly within the flashlight. Similarly, our faith needs the right kind of "batteries" to be effective. It is important to note that using the right kind of batteries is crucial. Using counterfeit or incompatible or dead batteries in a flashlight can result in malfunction or no light at all.
James in chapter 2 says you need to remove the dead batteries of your faith and replace them with the right batteries.
 
#1.  True Faith REMOVES PARTIALITY (2:1-4):  Partiality does not reflect the Glory of God and grieves the Grace of God.
 
God listens to a life of mercy over a life of empty religious duty.
 
JESUS WAS NO RESPECTER OF PERSONS:
He was the most merciful human being who ever lived.
He reached out to the sick and healed them.
He reached out to the crippled and gave them legs to walk.
He healed the eyes of the blind, the ears of the deaf, and the mouths of the dumb.
He found prostitutes and tax collectors and those that were debauched and drunken, and He drew them into the circle of His love and redeemed them and set them on their feet.
He took the lonely and made them feel loved.
He took little children and gathered them into His arms and loved them.
Never was there a person on the face of the earth with the mercy of this One.
Once a funeral procession came by and He saw a mother weeping because her son was dead. She was already a widow, and now she had no child to care for her. Who would care? Jesus stopped the funeral procession, put His hand on the casket, and raised the child from the dead. He cared.
In John 8 he forgave a woman taken in adultery. What mercy!
 
Partiality is another way of saying “favoritism” or “prejudice”… it produces what James calls “evil thoughts” towards other people…which means we reason and come to conclusions based on what we “think” about the person…rather than what God thinks of that person.
 
#2.  True Faith REFRAINS FROM RICHES (2:5-7)
 
THE WORLD SAYS…THE BIBLE SAYS…
Money brings freedom…Money takes away your freedom by making you its slave
Money brings security…It will quickly pass away and it doesn’t last
Money is what matters…kingdom of God is what really matters
Money is power…power comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit
Money establishes your net worth…is based on God’s statement not your bank statement.
Money makes you successful…Success is found in obedience to God’s word
Money gives you options…God is who opens doors.
Money brings happiness…this happiness is short lived and produces many times sorrows
Money is your reward. Save it, and spend it on yourself….Give it away
Money is your possession. Spend it on whatever you want….you are a manager of God’s resources
 
James implies that riches is when wealth is being used or resourced for personal gain at the expense of others.  // Riches is what drives human trafficking and child labor.  /// Riches is what drives Casinos and lottery tickets.  //Its what fuels credit cards and interest rates.//  Riches is what drives unethical and immoral practices to gain advantage over others without accountability.  // Riches undermine your integrity and your character.  //Riches is the outlet of manipulative marketing tactics, deceptive advertising and  false claims about the profit of products that in the end will harm you. 
 
#3. True Faith REFLECTS MERCY (2:8-13):  The Law reveals to us that no one is perfect and there is freedom in mercy.
 
James would say that you do well if you love your neighbor as yourself.    
James would say that you do well if you show the same kind of mercy to others that you have been shown.
James would say in Chapter 1 that true faith is forged in the trial of personal adversity and affliction, but now in Chapter 2 he would say that true faith is also forged in our response to the adversity and affliction that is found in the life of our neighbor.
James would say that society that eager to take people to the JUDGMENT SEAT so they get what they deserve…. we call this JUSTICE…BUT GOD wants us to bring people to the MERCY SEAT so they will find mercy and freedom!
 
THE WORLD IS FULL OF A DARK NOISE.  Listening to the world around us, we couldn’t help but come to the conclusion that the volume is rising day by day, and we’ve noticed that most of what gets amplified—most of the stuff loud enough to be heard—is hate, anger, and prejudice. And when hate gets amplified, too often we try to drown it out with even louder hate from a different perspective. It’s a vicious cycle, and it’s one Jesus dealt with 2000 years ago. But Jesus didn’t add to the noise, he responded to it with quiet and deliberate acts of love, and we’re still talking about it 2000 years later.
 
Scripture: Col. 3:13 New Living Translation (NLT)
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
 
Sometimes people need a second chance - over and over again!!
James is saying that equal rights without mercy means this = we would all get what we deserve…
for all have sinned and have earned the wages of sin which is death - eternal death.
 
#4. True Faith REPRESENTS COMPASSION (2:14-26)
 
Faith is meant to be PROFITABLE— are we offering a “cheap” version of faith that does not reflect the “glorious riches of our inheritance”? James is clear here, that the profit of our faith is meant to be used for the needs of others.  (Matthew 25) — Our faith is meant to please Jesus…without faith it is impossible to please God…but if your faith is dead it can bring deep displeasure to God…even positioning you for eternal judgment…
 
Faith moves beyond INTELLECT and EMOTION. — (Example of the Demons). They know God, they are even moved in fear of God, but they disobeyed the purpose that God created them for. Faith is not the lightbulb that goes off in our head, oh yeah that makes sense, faith is not a lightbulb, its a flashlight…and faith is not butterflies in our stomach or goosebumps on arms…it moves beyond this…
 
Faith COOPERATES with God’s Plan for salvation. — When we cooperate in Faith and Works with God’s plan; God will take us places and move us forward into the purposes and plans He has for us…otherwise we just keep moving in circles…
 
In the Gospel of John chapter one, we find that Grace and Truth came through Christ and brought light into the world….Grace that was filled with mercy…and truth that was taught with action …In Matthew 5, Jesus tells us our Faith is meant to shine and bear witness to the Light of Christ….that every human being would have the right to this light…James would say replace the dead batteries of prejudice and pride and riches and wealth, with fresh new batteries of Grace and truth, mercy and compassion…for a faith that WORKS will produce a faith that LIVES!.
 

Embracing Trials // James 1

JAMES 1 // Embracing Trials
 
Each of us at some point in our lives have or will go see our primary care doctor.  They will do an exam and ask questions, field your concerns.  They’ll take your blood pressure, do some labs, listen to your heart, etc.  The doctor will perform a thorough exam and analysis of your current health condition.   And then they may prescribe medication, exercise and diet habits and just give you some pointers on how to adjust your current habits to embrace a more healthy lifestyle.  Doctor visits and health exams are all part of those who want to live a physically healthy life.
 
This applies to our spiritual lives as well, some of you have not gone to the Holy Spirit Physician in years to let Him do a thorough check up on your soul, to do some lab work in your mind and in your emotions, to ask you questions about your decisions and relationships and entertaining choices.  Its been awhile since you’ve allowed the H.S. to check your spiritual blood pressure and to do some general Spiritual lab work to determine if there is anything going on that only a test can discover.
 
And so James gives some prescription in chapter one when we face tests, trials and temptations. He expresses that we should count it all joy when we face trials and  we should be careful to not be deceived by the our own temptations.
 
Testings and trials are just part of life.  Disappointment, sickness, grief, slander, hurt, betrayal, separation, misunderstanding, loss, death, rejection and loneliness are all part of the human condition.   
 
God allows trials and tribulation and various troubling moments in our life, to test our faith and to bring us more fully into His purposes.  He wants your faith to be TESTED….so that it can be TRUSTED. 
THROUGH OUR DIFFICULTIES…
God wants us to grow…
God wants to strengthen us…
God wants to mold us…
God wants to deepen us..
God wants to apprehend us THROUGH OUR DIFFICULTIES.
GOD WANTS YOU TO BE PERFECT AND COMPLETE, LACKING NOTHING
 
James urges his readers to learn two things to learn as you go through the trials.  Ask for Wisdom and Lean on God’s resources. 
 
In the Bible, God's wisdom is often depicted as infinitely greater and wiser than the wisdom of mankind. Scripture consistently highlights the vast difference between God's wisdom and human wisdom.
 
One notable reference is found in Isaiah 55:8-9: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." This verse emphasizes the incomparable wisdom of God, implying that His understanding and plans surpass human comprehension.
 
Wisdom humbles us to seek Him and His guidance.
Wisdom gains ground instead of losing ground
Wisdom releases the grace that will sustain you
 
God brings these troubles into our life so that we recognize our need to dig deep into His resource bank where we find the riches of His grace and mercy.  Helping us to realize that potential poverty of our own riches, and the deep and unending abundance of His riches.
 
When you surrender to God’s will in your trial, in your trouble, He moves you through that circumstance in such a way that brings you through it, so that you
 
Furthermore, James expresses the warning to not be deceived in the trial.  Our first line of defense is to avoid, deny, or escape. We don’t want to face trials; we would sooner keep our back to them. This is the very exact opposite of what God wants, He’s looking for endurance and a tenacious spirit to face whatever trial head on.  When we face trials, we tend to ask, “Why is this happening to me?” If only we could understand God’s reasons, as thought if we could make sense out of the pain, the struggle then it would be easier.  If we can explain it, we can endure it.   Once a trial is upon us, we want to get beyond it as quickly as possible. Any shortcut offered is tempting. But quick solutions to trials often involve compromise in areas that we should never negotiate.  The temptation to short circuit God’s purposes in the trial will unintentionally undermine our trust in God’s ability to sustain us through it.
 
Where are you right now? What are you going through? Some of you may be facing tough challenges that have you thinking about throwing in the towel. Whatever trial you are experiencing. Even the things you are striving for and reaching for today, there is joy on the other side.
 
A few prescriptions I leave with you from this reflection on James 1:
 
Focus on the GOODNESS of God. — James is establishing the pure perfection of God's goodness. He's explaining that God's goodness is expressed through his unfailing, love and compassion, and there is mercy, and grace that is able to save you and sustain you through the trial.
 
Be Slow to speak and quick to listen — James is saying, slow down, listen to others and listen to God, just be quiet for a minute…
 
Don’t let Wrath Surface — nothing productive comes from your anger when it surfaces or better yet  when it erupts in a family conflict, at your place of employment, in the marketplace, wherever you are misunderstood, ignored, unloved, nnoticed, overlooked, unappreciated and criticiz…don’t give in to that anger!
 
Keep yourself unmarked by the world — commit yourself to God’s ethical and moral system of life, not the world’s.
 
Don’t be a “Forgetful Hearer” But a “Meek-Filled Doer” — when you read the Word, the Holy Spirit will give you the wisdom and the resources you need to endure the trial, so don’t forget it, but rather practically apply it to whatever you’re going through.
 
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)
 
I will leave you with one final encouragement. Go back to Hebrews 12 and do what the verse says. Fix your eyes on Jesus, remembering all he did just to be with you, proving how much he loves you. When you do this, regardless of what you face, you will not give up.
“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross… Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:2-3)
 
 
 

Jehovah Shalom // Judges 6:7-24

JEHOVAH SHALOM
 
Today we look at a story that focuses on a man named Gideon, who was from the tribe of Manasseh. You know the story…Gideon gathers an army of 32,000 men, prepares for battle, yet God instructed him to reduce the number of soldiers, down to only 300 men which some believe were old fat men that couldn’t bend down and lap the water…
 
Gideon and his small army surprised the Midianites in the middle of the night and soundly defeated them. The Israelites celebrated their victory, and Gideon became a respected leader among them.  The land would have rest for forty years during Gideon's leadership.
This story is all inspired from an altar that Gideon built based on a divine revelation of Yahweh Shalom, the Lord is Peace.
 
Many of the corrupt Canaanite tribes had been allowed to remain; and Israel adopted their cultural and religious practices. There would be a repetitive cycle; a vicious cycle of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance.
 
“[T]his period is generally referred to as the Dark Ages. In the end the Hebrews became like the Canaanites. They thought like them, lived like them, and worshipped like them.” - –Preben Vang and Terry G. Carter
 
As we reflect on the oppression and influence of these surrounding nations like Midian, we can be deeply warned of the dangers of Idolatry.  Where does Idolatry come from?  How does it develop?  What is it the result of?
 
John Calvin says that the heart of man is an idol factory, and no matter whether you live in India where there are 3 million graven images, or whether you live right here in the USA, where there are stadiums built to gather and worship our favorite athletes, entertainers and sports teams, or restaurants on every corner to help us indulge in our favorite delicacies.  Idolatry is all around us and many time is produced inside of us…
 
TRUTH PRINCIPLE #1 — IDOLATRY IS THE RESULT OF:
 
1) The People of God FORGETTING what the Lord has done.
“Memory is a powerful thing. In an important sense we are defined by our history. We are what our history has made us, and without a clear memory of it we can forget who we are.…There is a necessary connection between knowing the Lord and knowing the “work” he has done. To “not know” this great work was to “not know” the One who did it” - Barry G. Webb
 
2) The People of God FORSAKING what the Lord has said.
Obeying the voice of the Lord here is a reference to the law that was given at Mount Sinai.   We are so busy listening to all the other voices in the room that defines ethics and morality, and worship and proper social and economical virtue,  that God speaking the Ten Commandments it sounds like Charlie Brown’s teacher….or we have the radio tuned to the wrong frequency, and we are listening to FM radio when God is talking on AM radio, or maybe subscribed to so many channels on YouTube, we don’t even know which book or chapter to start reading in the Bible, and its possible that we have so many friends on Facebook, that we don’t even get God’s words in our newsfeed anymore…or better yet, you’re like the teenager who puts his hands on his ears and says I don’t want to listen to you right now…
But God reminded Gideon, the voice of the Lord is so important, and yet we forsake it…we forsake hearing Him say I love you, I have a plan for you, I don’t want to harm you, I want to give you hope and a future. Which leads to the third reason for idolatry…
 
3) The People of God FORFEITING what the Lord has promised.
Tony Evans says …”you can be in the promised land and at the same time out of the will of God you can be in the place where you’re losing where you ought to be winning… you’re defeated where you ought to have victory”
 
Sometimes in our idolatry, God will raise up an oppression a problem, a trial, that will create a deep insecurity, fear and anxiety…Idolatry will always breed drama in your life and sometimes God sits back and lets the drama unfold, only to allow you to get to a place where you are ready for His appearance, just as He did here with Gideon.  The Drama and the troubles and the trials of life often times will drive us to question God in our faith…And God is not put off by our questions but rather invites them into a conversation , only so that the drama of your life would unfold the revelation of who Yahweh really is!
 
Here in Judges 6:13-18, Gideon would ask four questions before Jehovah Shalom would be fully revealed.  They could be summed up as:
 
Does God really care about us? — a challenge on His COMPASSION
Will God care for us? — a challenge on His ABILITY.
Does God know what He’s doing? — a challenge on His WISDOM.
Does God keep His promises? —  a challenge on God’s INTEGRITY
 
After this conversation;  So Gideon prepares an offering, and presents it to the Angel of the Lord, and a fire comes out of the rock, and consumes the offering completely.   Gideon then perceives that He was in the presence of the Angel of the Lord and that he had seen Him face to face… then Gideon hears the Angel of the Lord speak, Peace be with you, do not fear, you shall not die…and then Gideon builds the altar and names it Jehovah Shalom.
 
Gideon knew that he had found favor with God and His presence was with him.  These are the two ingredients of Divine Peace: God’s FAVOR and His PRESENCE.
 
Jesus would reveal Himself as Jehovah Shalom, the night before He was crucified.  John 14 records that Jesus tells his disciples, In this world, friends you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world, my peace I give to you, my peace I leave with you, I go to prepare a place, but I leave my Holy Spirit with you, you can’t see me, but you will hear me…
  
Jesus showed and proved His compassion on the cross.
Jesus showed off His ability in the grave.
Jesus promised His wisdom through the guiding voice of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus prepares His Father’s home for you even now that one day you will be with Him
 
So you ask, “Where is peace to be found?” This question is answered clearly and powerfully in
Isaiah 26: You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. (vv. 3–4)
 
Peace is found in trusting the person who controls all the things that you don’t understand and knows the secrets of all the unsolved mysteries of your life, because He planned them all…The more you meditate on his glory, his power, his wisdom, his grace, his faithfulness, his righteousness, his patience, his zeal to redeem, and his commitment to his eternal promises to you, the more you can deal with mystery in your life.
Why? Because you know the One behind the mystery is gloriously good, worthy not only of your trust but also the worship of your heart.
 
It really is true that peace in times of trouble is not found in figuring out your life, but in worship of the One who has everything figured out already.  — Paul Tripp