Scripture – James 5 NIV
Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 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. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.
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. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.
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. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
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.
Bob’s thoughts:
This church was recommended by one of the worship leaders and we were looking forward to visiting; unfortunately, he was out of town today.
The church meets in the auditorium of a school, which required a drive around the building to locate the entrance. We wished for some additional signs to let us know to keep driving.
We were warmly greeted in the lobby, including by a young woman who had gone to school with some of our daughters.
The praise team sounded pleasant and the volume was just right. My only disappointment was in not finding a cross.
The sermon seemed to be titled Final Advice based on Scripture from James 5. The first point I could easily relate to: not focusing on stuff. When one of my brothers and my father-in-law died, both collectors of tools and stuff, a lot of what they had came to me. Many would consider this a blessing but it was soon revealed to me as a burden. It was quite a job to release it all but a blessing to send to organizations who could use it.
We have proven that you can’t out-give God; we have been overwhelmingly blessed.
We were grateful for the talk with the pastor and members. This is one of the few churches to recognize that having a building of your own does not a church make, as soon the building consumes your faith. I think this would be a good church to grow with.
Jan’s thoughts:
A former neighbor who is on staff here invited us to worship, but since he was away this weekend, we’ll have to come back to worship with him.
This church is only about 1½ years old, and they have been working with focus and intention to reach the surrounding community.
We walked in the door and were immediately greeted by a friendly woman with whom we struck up a conversation. She pointed out the restrooms, worship area, and coffee and refreshments, and the pleasant conversation just continued. We were joined by one of the teachers and then by an eagle-eyed woman who went to high school with two of our daughters. I was floored when she stopped to talk after recognizing us!
The contemporary music was led by two guitarists and a drummer. It was well presented and the volume was perfect.
The message series was called Dear Church – James, and today was the final installment. The pastor pointed out that James, in his blunt wisdom, instructed his readers in how to live their lives by telling them to love God and love people.
James told the wealthy they were missing their calling from Christ by focusing too much on their wealth, that they should use their wealth to bless others. The pastor stated wealth is not a blessing when it distracts us from our relationship with God and how we use our wealth can give evidence against our hearts.
James advised the oppressed and poor to be patient together and stay faithful to God. He assured them they would be blessed because of their perseverance.
The bottom line is: love God and love people. That’s all that matters.
This is one of very few churches we have visited that celebrate Communion weekly and I’m certain God will bless them for it. I was glad Bob had a sharp object to open the bread portion of the prepackaged elements.
We appreciated the time the pastor took to speak with us after worship and the warm welcome when we arrived.
Our prayer for this church:
Lord, thank You for leading us to Your church. We pray for Your continued guidance as they grow in Your love and grace. Amen.
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