Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
This coming Lord’s Day our sermon passage will be James 1:27 and 2:15-16. As you remember, we are considering the three tests of true faith as James boldly sets them out in 1:26-27. Test number one was that of a controlled or bridled tongue (1:26; 3:2-12). The second test is discovered in the words of 1:27—“to visit orphans and widows in their affliction.” We will refer to this as the test of a compassionate heart. As with the first indication of a vital and real faith in Christ, this proof is further explained in later sections of the Epistle. We see it most clearly expounded in the strong words of 2:15-16. Here James will confront what has been referred to as “heartless orthodoxy” (J. Blanchard, James, 162). As you prayerfully meditate upon these most convicting verses, let’s unite our voices in prayer for the preaching of the Word of God.
Speaking of prayer, let’s remember to lift up Mrs. Aimee Byrd who is coming for our Ladies Fall Conference, Friday September 23 and Saturday September 24. We are thrilled to be hosting this event and looking forward to Aimee’s ministry to our ladies. For more information about this conference you can see our website or contact Ashley Turnbull.
Looking Ahead
We are also looking forward to welcoming our own Rev. Jim Daughtry to our pulpit once again on September 25. Jim will be preaching for us while I am away on vacation from Monday September 19 through Monday September 26. I am so appreciative for the time you allow me to be away, and for your kind encouragement to take advantage of the weeks that the Session has allotted me for vacation and rest. Please pray fervently for Jim as he prepares to lead our worship and deliver God’s Word to us.
Also, there are three other events in October that we are looking forward to. First, we will be having a four week Young Adult Bible Study on Monday nights beginning on October 10. I will be teaching a brief series on Spiritual Gifts, and we will meet at the home of John and Leslie Jeffery from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. We will gather on October 10, 17, 24, and November 7. This study is for all who consider themselves ‘young adults,’ both married and single. For more information please contact John or Leslie.
Then, our Fall Men’s Bible Study will begin on Sunday October 9 from 5:00 to 6:30 PM at the Church. We will be studying the classic book by A. W. Tozer entitled The Knowledge of the Holy. We will meet on Sunday October 9, 16, 23, and conclude with our ‘stay at home men’s retreat’ on Friday night October 28 at 6:00 PM and Saturday morning October 29 at 8:00 AM.
Finally, on Sunday October 30 immediately following our morning worship there will be a called meeting of the Church family for the purpose of Officer Elections. On that day the Session will present to you a slate of Ruling Elder and Deacon Candidates for your prayerful consideration. Watch for more details to follow.
May our gracious Lord bless you all with a restful weekend, and I’ll see you on Sunday as we come before our Blessed King and Savior!
All my love always,
Mike