As we discovered last Sunday, James 4 is another one of those rather blunt sections of the Epistle that tells us plainly the way things are with each of us. The brother of our Lord is addressing the real cause of relational discord within the body of Christ, and he identifies the source as our “passions,” which are “at war” within each of us (4:1). Behind every quarrel and fight and every relational fracture is a passion that is seeking satisfaction in an illegitimate way. Deep in our hearts we want what we want, how we want it, and when we want it. And if we don’t get it, then things fall apart.
This is what the inspired author means in verses 2-3 where we discover an unholy logic at work. Unrequited “lust” leads to things like “murder” and coveting. A believer under the influence of such lusts and “passions” will say and do things he never envisioned. When our lusts rule the day, there are always consequences and collateral damage. We never lust for something in isolation. Others are always affected. And this is a most serious thing when it comes to the unity, purity, and harmony of the body of Christ.
What is the answer to this persistent and pervasive problem of our unshackled “passions”? What do we do when we find ourselves in the heat of this “war” that is raging within each of us? How can our relationships within the Church be protected from the havoc wrought by our selfish desires?
As we will see this Lord’s Day, the simple solution is found in verses 2-3. And it is about asking—about asking the right Person in the right way. To better understand the pathway through this warfare, let your mind and heart reflect upon those familiar words of Jesus in Matthew 6:25-34. And then let’s all pray that the preaching of God’s Word will richly bless and edify His people.
I love you all!!
Mike
Upcoming Events:January 31, 6 PM – Women’s Evening Bible Study
February 1, 9 AM – Women’s Morning Bible Study
February 5, 4:30 PM – Youth Group
February 12, 3 PM – New Members Class
February 14, 10 AM – Presbytery Meeting
February 25, 10 AM – Baby Shower for Leah Johnson (at Renee Davie’s house)
February 26, 5 PM – Parenting Class
Connecting with the Catechism:Q. 12. What special act of providence did God exercise towards man in the estate wherein he was created?
A. 12. When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him, upon condition of perfect obedience; forbidding him to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, upon the pain of death.
Gal. 3:12
Gen. 2:17
Q. 13. Did our first parents continue in the estate wherein they were created?
A. 13. Our first parents, being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from the estate wherein they were created, by sinning against God.
Gen. 3:6-8, 13
Eccles. 7:29
Q. 14. What is sin?
A. 14. Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God.
I John 3:4
Announcements:
Special Prayer:
Please continue praying for Sondra Behmer who was readmitted to Huntsville Hospital last night.
Annual Budget:
Information about the yearly budget is available on handouts in the Narthex to anyone who is interested.
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.
New Members Class:
The next New Members class will be held at the church on February 12 and 19 from 3 to 5 PM. This class is for anyone interested in learning more about becoming a member of our church. Attending the class does not obligate you to join, but anyone wishing to become a member must attend both classes. See the sign up sheet in the Narthex. Nursery will be provided, and there will be a meal after the February 19 meeting.
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!).
Presbytery Meeting:
There will be a meeting of the Providence Presbytery at the church on February 14.
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, Bill and Mitzi
Cowley, Leon Galecki, Sondra Behmer, and Suzanne Nimon. Expecting parents: Please pray for the Lancaster family who is due in April,
and for the McCool family who is due in 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).