Qohelet Web Ministry Sermons

(James 5:12) We are instructed not to make oaths. Scripture demonstrates that oaths are not inherently sinful, but that the problem stems from basic human dishonesty, which may be especially inherent in unsanctified people. Making flippant or dishonest oaths and breaking them profanes the name of the Lord and leads to condemnation

(James 5:7-11) We need to remember that God is faithful and is therefore definitely coming both to reward the righteous and judge the wicked. This is how we strengthen our hearts so that we can patiently persevere in our struggles and not find ourselves grumbling at each other.

(James 5:1-8) God allows us to "overhear" his judgment on rich oppressors so that we can be strengthened and persevere through difficulties, knowing that God will make it right. Also, it gives us perspective on the nature of ill gotten wealth so that we will not envy or pursue it, but instead be patient in our poverty, or be generous in our material wealth.

(Rev 22:3-5) Since life’s pursuits without God are just a vapor, we need to discover our purpose through God’s word, which teaches us that we were created to glorify God by fulfilling his purposes for us, which is to be caretaker of his creation by exercising dominion according to his instructions and desire. Sin separated us from God, life, and truth, which resulted in idolatry, death, and deception. God redeemed us from sin so that we can fulfill his purpose, which unlike vapor, stands forever.

(James 4:13-17) In making plans and conducting our activities, we need to recognize and consider the foolishness of counting on tomorrow as a guarantee and the frailty of our life on earth. Our first action in making any plan is to consider the word of God above all else before going forward with it. We need to avoid making our own plans and then asking God to bless it, but instead to begin with asking what God's will is.

(James 4:11-12) We are to be doers of the law, which says we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. If we speak against our brother instead, we put ourselves in the position of judge, which we are not. Only God is the lawgiver, judge, savior, and destroyer. We, on the other hand, are to be faithful servants and nothing more.

(Rom 5:6-11) There is no sweeter message than the message of rescue. God has gone to very great lengths to provide a means of rescue. God wants those who are already rescued to participate in his rescue ministry, which is why he left us the Great Commission. This means that the power of rescue is in the Gospel, but the instrument of rescue is us, the church.

(Eph 5:25-32) True love does not come from Hallmark, Hollywood, or anything else from this world. It comes from the God who expresses his undying love for us in terms of betrothal and marriage that weathers all kinds of storms. Therefore, true love, even romantic love, is a beautiful reflection of the God who created and demonstrates it.

(James 4:4-10) Since pride, jealousy, selfish ambition, and envy are a part of fallen human nature, what we need to overcome it is God’s greater grace which he grants to those who submit to him in humility, sorrow, and repentance while resisting the Devil. In this way, it will be God and not pride that lifts you up which means you will not be brought low due to pride.

(James 3:13 - 4:4) The solutions to various problems are not found in natural wisdom, which often leads to disorder and evil and includes such things as brute power, intelligence, self ambition, technology, education, ability, etc. The solutions are found in the Lord, who is the source of heaven wisdom by which the world has been designed. This wisdom is pure, peaceable, righteous, and leads to good results.