http://bible.com/events/48855600

James and the Power of Prayer
Prayer is not a last resort for the powerless.
It is the first weapon we have from an all-powerful God.

‭‭James‬ ‭5:13-16‬‬
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

-In trouble? Pray
-Happy? Sing songs of praise to God
-Sick? Ask the elders to pray over you
-Sinned? Go to God in prayer for forgiveness

No matter what your situation – no matter what – go to the Lord immediately.

-Prayer is ultimately about coming to Him
-Prayer does something in me, as I pray
-Prayer does something in us, as we pray together
-Prayer is powerful

“The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.” James 5:16 (The Message)

Prayer is not a last resort for the powerless.
It is the first weapon we have from an all-powerful God.

Verses for further study/reflection:
Philippians 4:6-7
1 John 5:14
Mark 11:22-25
Matthew 18:19-20
Romans 8:26-27

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:5-13‬‬
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ’

‭‭James‬ ‭5:13-16‬‬
Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you’ve sinned, you’ll be forgiven—healed inside and out. Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. Elijah, for instance, human just like us, prayed hard that it wouldn’t rain, and it didn’t—not a drop for three and a half years. Then he prayed that it would rain, and it did. The showers came and everything started growing again.

James in 8 Minutes
This overview video on the book of James breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. In this book, James combines the wisdom of his brother Jesus with the book of Proverbs in his own challenging call to live a life wholly devoted to God.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn-hLHWwRYY

http://bible.com/events/48849730

James and the Power of Patience
“Be patient and stand firm because the Lord’s coming is near.” James 5:8

‭‭James‬ ‭5:7-11‬‬
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

-This is not just a call to patience in general, but rather a command to be patient in suffering.
-Farmers don’t plant seeds and expect instant crops. They wait. That’s the visual here.
-In essence what James is saying is, “Don’t give up (be patient) and as you are enduring, encourage yourselves, strengthen your hearts (stand firm).”
-The reality of Christ’s return is a promise that we are not alone in our suffering. He is with us now through the power of His Spirit, and He is coming back!

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24:10-13‬‬
At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Applying these truths in our lives today:
1. STOP being surprised
-we cannot be surprised when hard times come in our lives
-“consider it joy when you face trials” (James 1:2)
-Jesus said “in this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33)
2. START standing firm
-Don’t be surprised. Hard times will come. Challenges will come. This broken world will experience more brokenness. Be patient. Stand firm.
-We can stand firm, because our eyes are fixed on Him.
-We can stand firm, because His promises are true.
-We can stand, because His Spirit is within us. And this is not the end.

Verses for further study/reflection:
Romans 12:12
Galatians 6:9
Romans 8:25
Ephesians 4:2
Psalm 37:7-9

‭‭James‬ ‭5:7-11‬‬
Meanwhile, friends, wait patiently for the Master’s Arrival. You see farmers do this all the time, waiting for their valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work. Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time. Friends, don’t complain about each other. A far greater complaint could be lodged against you, you know. The Judge is standing just around the corner. Take the old prophets as your mentors. They put up with anything, went through everything, and never once quit, all the time honoring God. What a gift life is to those who stay the course! You’ve heard, of course, of Job’s staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end. That’s because God cares, cares right down to the last detail.

James in 8 Minutes
This overview video on the book of James breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. In this book, James combines the wisdom of his brother Jesus with the book of Proverbs in his own challenging call to live a life wholly devoted to God.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn-hLHWwRYY

James and The Power of Patience (ER)
East Rock Campus
James 5:7-11

As we continue in our teaching series through James, he again is challenging us to see life through the lens of Gods kingdom, and to understand that patience is a required course for the follower of Jesus.

‭‭James‬ ‭5:7‬‬
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.

To be patient is to exhibit self-restraint in the face of opposition and even aggravation.
– It is the opposite of being hot-headed, quick tempered, or short fused.
– It is to be slow to anger, Just like the Lord in Psalm 86:15
– The apostle Paul lists patience as a fruit of the spirit in Galatians 5

‭‭James‬ ‭5:8‬‬
You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.

The literal Greek wording here would be something like “Strengthen your hearts”

James understood that our hearts can grow weary under trials. That we can easily get tired of waiting on the Lord and give up our hope.

It is within the seasons of hard times or suffering that James’ call to patience perhaps finds its deepest significance in our lives.

‭‭James‬ ‭5:9‬‬
Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

James is talking about patience, about our need to endure, to stand firm in the Lord, and then he says “Hey, don’t take it out on your brothers and sisters”. “Don’t lash out at them”

James knows and understands the human tendency when we are under pressure, under the strains of life, to lash out at other people.

The harder things are going, the less patient we tend to be with others.

‭‭James‬ ‭5:10-11‬‬
Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

James does not mention a specific prophet in this text, but it was well known that the prophets of the Old Testament were treated terribly by the pagan nations and even their own people because of the word they spoke.

As William Barclay says “Job’s example is no groveling, passive, unquestioning submission; Job struggled and questioned and sometimes defied, but the flame of faith was never extinguished in his heart”

James has not sugar coated the challenges and hardships that face believers in this life. He knows we are going to be weary- we are going to be tempted to grumble to the Lord, to one another, even about one another. We may even be tempted to think the Lord will not follow through.

Yet, he says be patient! Stand firm! Have confidence in the Lord my friends.

In response to the message today, what would it look like for you to take James at his word?

In the middle of the trials, the burdens, and the brokenness, will you make the decision to stand firm in the Lord?

Let’s make that stand together!

James in 8 Minutes
This overview video on the book of James breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. In this book, James combines the wisdom of his brother Jesus with the book of Proverbs in his own challenging call to live a life wholly devoted to God.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn-hLHWwRYY

http://bible.com/events/48846138

James and Rich and Wrong
Who has your heart?

‭‭James‬ ‭5:1-6‬‬
Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.

The clarifying question here is this: “What is the problem?”
-The root of the problem James is addressing is greed, our desires driving us to want more and more.
-“You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence” James 5:5
-Next James provides a visual of what this looks like: “You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.” James 5:5

‭‭Luke‬ ‭12:15‬‬
Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

The Bible talks a lot about money. Jesus speaks a lot about money. And we have a lot of questions:
-Why does the Bible talk about money so much?
-Is it wrong to have money?
-Should I feel guilty?
-Why do I give to the church?
-How much do I have to give?

The best question we should be asking:
Who has your heart?

Verses for further study/reflection:
Luke 12:13-21
Psalm 63:1-11
1 John 2:16
2 Corinthians 9:7
Ecclesiastes 5:10
Hebrews 13:5
Psalm 52:5-7

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭19:16-26‬‬
Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” he inquired. Jesus replied, “ ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’” “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

James in 8 Minutes
This overview video on the book of James breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. In this book, James combines the wisdom of his brother Jesus with the book of Proverbs in his own challenging call to live a life wholly devoted to God.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn-hLHWwRYY

James and Rich and Wrong (ER)
Ecclesiastes 5:10:
Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless

‭‭James‬ ‭5:1-6‬‬
Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.

Biblical commentator John Ritenbaugh describes greed as a “ruthless self–seeking and an arrogant assumption that others and things exist for one’s own benefit (James would say for one’s own luxury and self-indulgence).”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭19:16-26‬‬
Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” he inquired. Jesus replied, “ ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’” “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭19:26‬‬
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

YOUR LIFE WILL ALWAYS REVEAL
WHAT YOUR HEART TRULY TREASURES

So what is the best question to ask yourself?

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭8:8-9‬‬
I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

Scripture for further study/reflection:
Luke 12:13-21
Psalm 63:1-11
1 John 2:16
2 Corinthians 9:7
Ecclesiastes 5:10
Hebrews 13:5
Psalm 52:5-7

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭19:16-26‬‬
Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” he inquired. Jesus replied, “ ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’” “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

James in 8 Minutes
This overview video on the book of James breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. In this book, James combines the wisdom of his brother Jesus with the book of Proverbs in his own challenging call to live a life wholly devoted to God.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn-hLHWwRYY