For the last several weeks we have been following along with James as he has addressed the subject of prayer (James 5:13-15). On this coming Lord’s Day we will arrive at the final section of the fifth chapter where James seeks to bring his teachings on this subject to a conclusion (5:16-18).
We remember how he has already addressed the situation of believers who are in need, and especially those who are seriously ill. And he has explained how prayers should be offered for those who are in distress with the full expectation that God will answer them according to His will (5:13-15). In the verses we will consider this week, James takes this subject of prayer further as he seeks to impress upon us the great privilege and responsibility of praying to our Father—to the “Father of lights” who delights in giving good gifts to those who love His Son (1:17).
In James 5:16-18, our Lord’s brother offers us a magnificent promise concerning prayer. And again, the purpose is to supply the encouragement we all need for a life of faithful praying and intercession. The promise he offers is this: “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (v. 16). Then, to illustrate this promise, James appeals to the prayers of the Old Testament prophet “Elijah” (vv. 16-18).
Let me encourage you to become familiar with Elijah’s amazing story. You’ll find the details in 1Kings 17-18. And as you read, keep in mind that, according to James, the great Elijah was just “a man with a nature like ours” (v. 17).
Called Meeting of the Congregation
Just another reminder that we will have a very brief meeting of the congregation immediately following our worship service this week. After the benediction, there will be a short recess so that we may dismiss our guests. Then, we will reconvene in order to hear a report from our Session. Our nursery workers will remain in place so that parents may attend this short meeting.
Have a blessed weekend, and I’ll see you Sunday!
With His love,
Mike
Upcoming Events:
March 26, 4:45 PM – Men’s Bible Study
March 26, 6:45 PM – Security Team Meeting
March 28, 6 PM– Women’s Evening Bible Study
March 28, 9 AM– Senior Fellows work day at Church
March 29, 9 AM – Women’s Morning Bible Study
April 1, 2 PM – Baby Shower for Mary Katherine Whittemore at Carol Calvert’s house
April 2, 4:30 PM – Youth Group Meeting
April 5, 6 PM – Bags of Blessings Packing at The CARE Center
April 10 – Snacks for RUF
Connecting with the Catechism:
Q. 36. What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification?
A. The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification, are, assurance of God’s love peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end.
Rom. 5:5
Rom. 5:1
Rom. 14:17
II Pet. 3:18
Phil. 1:6; I Pet. 1:5
Q. 37. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at death?
A. The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness, and do immediately pass into glory; and their bodies, being still united to Christ, do rest in their graves till the resurrection\.
Heb. 12:23
Luke 23:43; II Cor. 5:6, 8; Phil. 1:23
I Thess. 4:14
Dan. 12:2; John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15
Q. 38. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection?
A. At the resurrection, believers being raised up in glory, shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgment, and made perfectly blessed in the full enjoying of God to all eternity.
I Cor. 15:42-43
Matt. 25:33-34, 46
Rom. 8:29; I John 3:2
Ps. 16:11; I Thess. 4:17
Announcements:
Graphics Help:
Ashley is in need of graphics help! She has two upcoming projects that require someone with creative genes AND use of technology. Both projects involve design and printing of children’s graphics. If you are interested in donating some time to help me with two small projects, please email her at children@christpreshamptoncove.org
Baby Shower for Mary Katherine Fohrell Whittemore:
Please see the Evite for the Christ Pres baby shower honoring Mary Katherine Fohrell Whittemore, daughter of Kim and Fred Fohrell. May we prayerfully celebrate the arrival of their baby grandson with a fellowship and time of gifts!
Men’s Bible Study:
Be sure to put the following dates on your calendars: 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.
Greeter/Usher Ministry:
Christ Presbyterian is growing and is now in need of Usher/Greeters. Our initial plan is to have 4-6 teams with 7 people in each team to accomplish this new requirement. The reason for having many teams is to allow more of us who have been called to serve at Christ Pres the opportunity to serve while not overburdening anyone. Each team would only have to serve 2 weeks a quarter. The initial plan is to have 3 greeters and 4 ushers per week serving each Sunday from 10:10 to 10:40. If we have the numbers willing to assist, we can have each team serve for a two week rotation. To run this as smoothly as possible, we would like each team to have a lead. Presently, we have 3 individuals who are lead to lead a team and another 7 willing to serve on an Usher/Greater team. This is open to all, but would prefer no one younger high school age.
If you are interested in helping with this important ministry, please contact Steve Profozich at steveprofozich@gmail.com.
Senior Fellows:
The Senior Fellows will have a work day at the Church on March 28 at 9 AM.
Snacks for RUF:
Christ Presbyterian has committed to providing snacks for the RUF at UAH Large Group meeting on 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 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, Sam Johnson, 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).