Notes from the Sermon

Good Word Good Life!

Today's sermon is based on James 1:22-27. 

It's the first Sunday of Advent. Why did Jesus come? Jesus said the reason He came was that we might have Life - Life that's full, abundant, overflowing - hearts more joyous than we can imagine, If we keep that at the center, the rest will fall into place (John 10:10b). 

Regarding Ferguson - Jesus said we are here for two things - to love God and to love each other. That love extends beyond family and friends to those different from us - even our enemies - spread love, not discord. 

James tells us how to do live life well. YOLO has been described as a modern day carpe deim, but, it's a little different. It all too often is an excuse to do stupid things. It's true though, with regard to the admonition that we should live the best we can. 

Jesus is the one most concerned with getting the most out of life. 

James says listening is important, however doing is what matters. 

...the truly happy people are those who carefully study God's perfect law that makes people free, and they continue to study it. They do not forget what they heard, but they obey what God's teaching says. Those who do this will be happy. 

I think perhaps I should do a Bible study focusing on the word happy. 

Doing God's will does not mean a life with no problems; but, it does mean a joyous life. The Apostles, after all, sang songs of thanksgiving while in prison. 

If we only listen but don't do, then we are fooling ourselves. 

A lot of people mark their Bibles, but they never let their Bible mark them. 

The parable of the two sons - one who said he wouldn't do it, but then thought better and did it and the second who said yes but did nothing (Matthew 21:28-32). Where do I stand in this?

If we truly follow God's way, it does set us free. For instance, if we use our freedom to gossip, then gossip will bind us. If we don't forgive, then we are bound up by a spirit of hurt and revenge. 

When I live by James' principle, it will change my character and my conduct. When what comes out of my mouth reflects the character of Christ, then I have no regrets. We should live our lives in such a way that there is something obviously different about us. 

Pure religion - religion God accepts - is caring for the downtrodden, the oppressed, and the vulnerable. Rather like the Dalai Lama's statement that his religion is kindness. 

We watched a video with a great quote - "Music is the quickening art."

Amen :)

Notes from the Sermon

My dear brothers and sisters, be willing to listen and slow to speak. Do not become angry easily, because anger will not help you live the right life God wants. So put out of your life every evil thing and every kind of wrong. Then in gentleness accept God's teaching that is planted in your hearts, which can save you.

                             - James 1:19-21

Great advice for the mother of a teen - especially when my love is tainted with anger born of frustration and fear. 

James, one of favorite books of the Bible, is one of the first books written in the New Testament (about 45 CE). It's great that I'm coming in at the beginning of the book - God's serendipity - Divine coincidence ;)

 When James wrote this letter, the Church was going through an awkward adolescence, trying to figure out how to be a Church. The Council of Jerusalem dealt with the Church's identity crisis. 

The council sought to answer the question, "Is faith in Christ enough?" The answer is so overwhelmingly yes that they strongly spoke against adding anything else. 

That doesn't mean we stay where we are. God changes us - the spirit of God adds to us - changes us. 

The Gospel doesn't cancel the need for obedience. The Spirit of Christ makes us want to obey. 

The integrity of believers reveals the Light to the World. 

A person with integrity:

1. Listens carefully. Hearing involves only the ears - listening involves the mind and heart. 

Avoid selective listening - be an active listener. 

2. Speaks thoughtfully. Think before you speak. Choose helpful words over hurtful words. Never shout angrily. 

3. Stays calm. Don't become angry easily. Regarding righteous anger - I think if we are hurtful, it's not righteous. We need to discover healthy ways to deal with our frustrations. 

Get rid of the rotten stuff (anger and bitterness stink) and make room for the fresh stuff (Christ's life for us). 

Will I react with anger or will I take all that happens as somehow, some why, helping me to grow?

WAIT - Why am I talking? Listen first - talk second. 

One of the damaging things we can do to ourselves is say, "I will never forgive."

Do not get angry and sin. ... Do not let the sun go down on your anger (Ephesians 4:26). We have a choice of how we will treat others. Relationships are too valuable to destroy them in anger. We can be reconcilers.