Our sermon text for this Lord’s Day is James 5:9-11. Here the brother of Jesus addresses a very common problem among all people, and even among those who are in the Church. The ESV translates it as “grumble” (v. 9). James writes, “Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.” The situation that James was addressing was that the believers in the Churches of ancient Asia were suffering oppression from unbelievers, especially wealthy unbelievers (vv. 1-6). Amidst the stresses and pressures of persecution, tensions rose among them. The result was predictable, and one we all understand very well. Their frustrations and disappointments, triggered by the injustices suffered at the hands of others, led to strife and friction. This toxic atmosphere within the body of Christ then gave birth to ‘grumbling’ against one another.
The warning that James gives regarding this sin is as stark as the command that forbids it. Such murmuring, criticizing, and complaining have no place among God’s people. And the reason, as suggested in verse 9, is that grumbling against another believer is a form of judgment. The grumbler is acting as the judge of his fellow-Christian, and this is strictly forbidden by the Lord.
Then, in verses 10-11, James provides some examples of those who faced times of suffering and persecution, and yet maintained an attitude of steadfastness and patience. They accepted their afflictions as coming from God’s hand, and came to know the mercy and compassion of the Lord in a much deeper way (v. 11). In verse 7 James encouraged us to remember the “farmer” and follow his example of patience. In these verses we are to remember the “prophets” and the man named “Job.” If we do, then grumbling will be less of a problem. And like these faithful Old Testament servants of the Lord, we too will be “blessed” even in our tribulations (v. 11).
I love you all so dearly, and I look forward to seeing you Sunday Morning!
In His mercy,
Mike
Upcoming Events:
February 25, 10 AM – Baby Shower for Leah Johnson (at Renee Davie’s house)
February 26, 4:30 PM – Youth Group Meeting
February 26, 5 PM – Parenting Class 1
February 28, 9 AM– Senior Fellows Painting at the Church House
February 28, 6 PM– Women’s Evening Bible Study
March 1, 9 AM – Women’s Morning Bible Study
March 4, 4 PM – Sisk Wedding in Sanctuary
March 6 – Snacks for RUF
March 8, 6 PM – Bags of Blessings Packing at The CARE Center
March 12, 4:45 PM – Men’s Bible Study
Connecting with the Catechism:
Q. 24. How doth Christ execute the office of a prophet?
A. Christ executeth the office of a prophet, in revealing to us, by his Word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation.
Luke 4:18-19, 21; Acts 1:1-2; Heb. 2:3
John 15:26-27; Acts 1:8; I Pet. 1:11
John 4:41-42; 20:30-31
Q. 25. How doth Christ execute the office of a priest?
A. Christ executeth the office of a priest, in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and reconcile us to God; and in making continual intercession for us.
Isa. 53; Acts 8:32-35; Heb. 9:26-28; 10:12
Rom. 5:10-11; II Cor. 5:18; Col. 1:21-22
Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25; 9:24
Q. 26. How doth Christ execute the office of a king?
A. Christ executeth the office of a king, in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.
Ps. 110:3; Matt. 28:18-20; John 17:2; Col. 1:13
Ps. 2:6-9; 110:1-2; Matt. 12:28; I Cor. 15:24-26; Col. 2:15
Announcements:
Men’s Bible Study:
Be sure to put the following dates on your calendars: Sunday March 12, Sunday March 26, and Sunday April 9. On these three Sundays, from 4:45-6:30 PM, we will be having our Men’s Spring Bible Study. We will be studying the lives of two important New Testament men, Timothy and Titus. More information will follow.
Shower for Sam Johnson:
There will be a baby shower for Sam Johnson on Saturday, February 25, at 10 AMat the home of Renee Davie.
Parenting Class: This year, we will meet again and discuss the topic of Leading Our Children to Faith in Christ. He will be using the book “Bringing the Gospel to Covenant Children” as a guide. This will be a wonderful chance for us to learn more about the reformed view of covenant children and their coming to Christ, what this looks like at our church, as well as ask any questions related to the communicant’s book that the Session has us go through with our children before they make a profession. It’s also a chance for us to fellowship! Mark your calendars:
Sunday, February 25th at 5:00 to 6:30 pm
Sunday, March 6th at 5:00 pm (with potluck fellowship dinner to follow)
Location: The Nuwayhid’s Basement, 3002 Firethorn Drive, Hampton Cove
Please RSVP to children@christpreshamptoncove.org, along with $6 for a copy of the book.
So that we may all be present at the sessions, please plan to have a sitter for your children so that they may stay at home. The church is offering a childcare stipend for this event. We will provide a form for you to fill out closer to time.. Don’t let childcare hinder you from coming (email me if you need ideas!).
Snacks for RUF:
Christ Presbyterian has committed to providing snacks for the RUF at UAH Large Group meeting on Monday, March 6th and Monday, April 10th.Some information below:
We are providing snacks (chips, trail mix, granola bars, fruit) and/or desserts (brownies, cookies, donuts, etc) for UAH students at the RUF “Large Group” meeting – between 75-100 students.
We are asking 4 people to sign up for each night with each person preparing a snack/dessert to serve 25-30 people.
If possible, bring your food in containers/bags that do not need to be returned.
DROP-OFF: If possible, bring your contributions to the UAH Nursing Building on the Monday you sign up at 6:45pm. Come into the lobby of the ‘newer-looking’ Nursing Building and you will find RUF students setting up. If you are unable to drop off at that time contact Norman for pickup (334-313-1298, ndeaniv@gmail.com).
Bags of Blessings:
Our church has volunteered to help March 8th and April 5th with the Bags of Blessings ministry at the Care Center in New Hope. Packing begins at 6:00 PM and lasts around 1.5 hours. We need 25-30 volunteers. Please contact Norman Dean, ndeaniv@gmail.com, if you would like to help or want more information.
Prayer Requests:
Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Chris
Smotherman, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, Ramona Edwards, Katie Dyer,
Rebecca Berry, Jenan Nuwayhid, Bill Dent, Zig Jastrebski, Leon Galecki, Gannon Miles, and Sondra Behmer. Expecting parents: Please pray for the Wightman family who is due in March, the Lancaster family (April), and for the McCool family (June). Ministries: Please pray for the following missionaries and ministries: Seth and
Jessica Lewis (Ireland); Steve and Rita Williams (New Zealand); Reid and
Kelli Jones, Jennifer Kent (RUF UAH); Ken and Angie Burnett (FCA); Franky
Garcia (seminary student).