July 18th

Good Morning Meadowbrooke,

This Sunday is the second sermon in our Faith and Works series in James; we will be exploring James 1:12-18 together.  There is so much crammed into these seven verses that I find so encouraging; it is verse 12 that sets the tone of these verses: “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”  There is much here that I will address this Sunday, but for the purpose of this email, consider what it is that is promised to the Christian: The crown of life.

Every trial and circumstance that God allows and brings into your life is designed by Him to lead you to the day when a crown of life will be presented to those who love Him.  The apostle Paul made the same point, but used different language that I believe adds clarity to James’ point:

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28).  How is it that we are able to love God?  Paul explains how in Romans 8:29-30, “For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.”  We love Him because... He first loved us (1 John 4:9-19).  What this means is that God is for us!  Because He is for you dear Christian, you can know that He only intends good for you!  This is why Paul was able to say, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things” (Rom. 8:28–32)?

The “all things” that God promises His people who love Him is wrapped up in four words: “The crown of life.”  So, as you enter into the weekend and prepare your heart for worshiping Him with His people, know that every trial that God allows or has brought into your life is designed by Him with the “crown of life” in mind.  To prepare your heart for this Sunday, take time to read James 1:12-18; I will have copies of James 1:12-18 and its parallels for you in the cafe for further reflection and study if you would like (I will also have two sample copies of the first draft of my Revelation and its Parallels book for those of you who wanted to see it; I hope to have the finished copies available by Christmas).

I look forward to seeing you this Sunday in our 9AM and 11AM worship services!

Grace,

Pastor Keith