2017.7.25 礼拝

2017.7.25 礼拝

302nd Life Church Service

2017.7.23 James 5:7-11”Having the Right Perspective for Your Walk with Christ”

Verse of the month Luke 14:29-30

29For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’

➀ Finding Christian Life Challenging but Rewarding ( = Japanese ”Yarigai”).

“Yarigai” could be:

・The feeling of challenge that sprouts when confronted with a “terrible” or a “difficult” situation, in which one finds significant meaning and value.

・Tendency to lose interest quickly when working on something “easy” or “simple.”

James 1:2-3 2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. ⇒ Challenging but Rewarding

Going through the difficulties enabled James to experience the power of God.

2 Timothy 2:6 The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. ⇒ Challenging but Rewarding

The joy is great in proportion to the amount of work.

James 5:7 Therefore, be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. ⇒ Challenging but Rewarding

James 5:11 We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful. ⇒ Challenging but Rewarding

Not only what is interesting or favorable to us fulfills challenge/reward.

➁ Know that you can feel joy and fulfillment when you forgive and accept each other.

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

There may be countless number of excuses to grumble, however, we should remember that we have been forgiven by Jesus with love. We will be judged on our endurance and love. We know from the Bible that everyone who took a positive stance without grumbling has been rewarded by God – be it Abraham, Joseph, Moses and all.

Matthew 5:46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?

God expects us to love and forgive each other. The endurance and love from challenge are acceptable and satisfying to God.