Since Christ is near, we must suffer with perspective...

Suffer with Patience...

Suffer with Peace...

Suffer with Purpose!

The title of this sermon comes from an expression about wagering in the sport of horse racing. It is best to hear about Easter straight from the lips of Jesus Christ. Jesus told of the predictions of his crucifixion and resurrection (from the Old Testament) and its' proclamation as well (found in the New Testament). The "wager" of a soul is safe when one relies on the words of Jesus! See also Romans 1:16!

Tenebrae: A Service of Darkness

This service of worship is in part based on an early Christian service called Tenebrae. The name Tenebrae is the Latin word for “darkness” or “shadows.” The service focuses on Christ’s pain and suffering on the day of his crucifixion. One of the most conspicuous

features of the service is the gradual extinguishing of candles until only a single candle, considered a symbol of our Lord, remains. As it gets darker and darker we will reflect on the great emotional and physical pain that was very real for Jesus the evening before and the day of his crucifixion. Toward the end of the service, the last candle is extinguished, typifying the apparent victory of the forces of evil over good. The silence of darkness that follows symbolizes the wrath of God that Christ took upon himself on our behalf. The candle of hope is then brought forward symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. By this single light we all depart this service in silence.

There are only two possible Kings for humans to willingly be subject to.

There is one of rebellion and one of redemption. This sermon text from Psalm 2 found its prophetic fulfillment in Acts 4:24-28! See also Philippians 2:9-11.

In this passage, James writes in the manner of an old testament prophet - speaking judgement on the rich, who are oppressing God's people. He says their end will be one of "weeping" and "howling" for their "riches have rotted" - caused by their love of "dead things" and their own "dead consciences".

This sermon is full of biblical passages covering money and its proper use for Christians.

What can we learn from a talking donkey?

1. That God provides circumstances to help us change.

2. That God derides the prideful heart.

A prideful heart is focused on self. Two characteristics of pride are independence and rationalization.

3. That God overrides the plans of men.

To seek to change God’s mind is to say God was wrong in the first place. Sometimes, God disciplines us by permitting us to have our own way, which proves to be a thorn in our side.

See also Romans 8:28,29, 2 Peter 2, Jude 11 and Revelation 2:14.

Just as a person's eyes show the signs of aging, this passage from James expressly points out some "telltale" signs of arrogance - the opposite of gospel humility. The first is to expect God's blessing without asking for it. Christians can expect God's blessings in Christ for certain, but to presume without recognizing Christ is telltale. The second is in neglecting one's duty - to God, to family, to the church --- basically saying "I come first!" in our inmost being. We must pray as Jesus did "Not my will, but yours be done."

The Book of James is consistent in it's bluntness! This passage reveals the condition of our hearts as evidenced in what we do that is contrary to Gospel Humility! Russ St. John uses the illustration of their beloved German Shepherd to show how slander and judgement cripple the the body of the church, our own brothers and sisters! We must "attend to ourselves" in confession of this serious crime and resolve in our hearts, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to use our speech to build up our church family! See also I Timothy 1:15 and Romans 2:1-3.

This is a powerful passage in James, it brings us to our knees in our understanding of our own sin and weakness. This should lead us to lamentation and humility, then to the grace and mercy of Christ. From there we have the power to choose God and "chasten" ourselves to live in full allegiance and live "All For Jesus"!

What causes and cures church strife?