Work Work Work
James 1:19-27
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
James was writing to the Jewish people which, at this point, were scattered all over. His message clears up the debated balance between works and grace. We are not saved by the things we do. We are saved by the thing Jesus did for us. My little brother (also my pastor) says, "Our works have nothing to do with salvation, and everything to do with eternity." Our works are the face of our faith. It is what others are going to see in you.
Look at the specific things James identifies just in these few verses: uncontrolled tongue, moral filth, pride, and apathy. If these are your "works" why would the world ever follow the same God you are? That is why James wrote to the people. They, and by extension you, are what people are going to see the gospel in. Are your words kind? Are you serving orphans and widows? Are you studying scripture to know it AND to walk it? David said he would hide the word in his heart so that he would not sin against God. Not so he could just know it.
It's important to know scripture and to live it. Jesus said if we know him and love him, we will keep his commandments. His commandment was not to sit in a church pew and get your own cup filled Sunday after Sunday. His commandment was, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself" (Luke 10:27 NIV). The word love there is agapaō. It is a verb. Verbs mean action. How are acting out your love for God and for your neighbors?
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Seek 2021 Oct 14-16
Seek 2021 Retreat - You do not want to miss this amazing time of resting in God's presence. The last two years, this event has been life changing. You have months to prepare for this event and fees are not due until September. Register now to save your spot! Seek 2021 Registration Form
Bible Study - A time of worship, studying God's word, and fellowship with other women who long to Seek God on a deeper level. This event takes place at Becka's house at 6:30 on the first and third Thursday of the month.
New Thing Rising - Come out to worship by the river to the one true God! To declare unity over our nation! An awakening of praise TO ENTER HIS GATES for eyes to SEE, to declare God's goodness and freedom over the city of Hamilton. To fight hell with the blood and name of Jesus! To cry out for the 60 million babies slayed; to declare God's vengeance in this land against powers and principalities. To build up God's children AND TURN OUR WHISPER TO A ROAR! In UNITY, in one accord! ARISE, Sound THE ALARM! There's a NEW THING RISING! "Violence shall no longer be heard in your land, Neither wasting nor destruction within your borders; But you shall call your walls Salvation, And your gates Praise." Isaiah 60:18 NKJV
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