Sermon Challenge
A Foundation of Faith
James 2:14-26

When I was a good church going teen I remember one lesson in particular at youth group. It was called a "faith" or "trust" fall. One person would stand on the edge of a table while 2 rows of people, arms extended, would catch you as you fell. The fall required that you fully trusted those arms below to catch you. Our youth pastor took the time to explain how faith in God is much like a faith fall, we have to trust that God is there for us all the time.

We do faith falls, we show pictures of faith and tell stories about men of great because faith itself is very hard to define. It is a trust in the unseen, yet faith is not blind; it is hopeful expectation that carries with it absolute certainty. It is explained better through a story and is defined more clearly by actions. We all have it some kind of faith, we all put our trust in something and James tells us clearly here that our faith in Jesus requires us to live like it.

The question you and I must face is; when someone is given opportunity to describe your faith, what will their answer be? Are you truly showing a faith in Jesus by your actions, or have you put your faith in other things? Is your faith in your job, money, drugs, or other things?

This week take an honest assessment, or if you are brave enough, ask someone to assess you truthfully and ask this simple question: Based upon the way I live, I put my faith in _________.

Person James 2:14-26

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A New Earth. . .A New Idea?

Oprah has recently started her own web based seminar class that took a look at religion and of course, her views on the subject. She has recently denied her Christian up bringing based upon some pretty sketchy thoughts on the matter. She considers truth to be relative to your time, situation and culture; as well as pointing out that Jesus was misunderstood and came to show us how to live, nothing more.

The truth is, Mr. Tolle does not bring any new ideas to the table, he is nothing more than another new age writer and his book, from the accounts I have read, is slow and share no new concepts. Yet, he is gaining quite the following thanks to Oprah. Recently, her class attracted many wayward confused Christians that she successfully turned in a very poor direction.

Many people try to push a counterfeit and discount Jesus' life here on earth. Tolle is not bringing any new ideas. From the time of Jesus resurrection people from all over the globe have tried to explain it away. Ultimately the issue is very simple, the issue is about sin about what you believe about it. Let's face it, the new age movement has no definition of sin, we simply have the ability to categorize people based upon what I believe is good and bad. Did you catch that, I am the one who decides. Tolle is speaking in his book about you become god. Does that make any sense? That really gives a messed up idea of reality where "I" become the center of the universe, defining my own good and bad.

Other religions make a practice of working our way out of sin, giving more chances, or doing more good things than bad things. As if God is weighing your good and bad and as long as the good weighs more, you are in. How do we reconcile that, how do we define it, you can't.

Since we are in James it's appropriate that James 2:10 gives us a clear picture of how sin really works, something that makes since and is easily defined. One sin = All sin. If I'm guilty of one sin, I'm guilty of breaking the whole law. Why doesn't someone come up with a religion about that? A religion that makes a whole lot more sense is a religion where everyone goes to Hell. That's logical and it's truth. Jesus says, I am the Way the Truth and the Life, why? He says that because unlike anything else in the world, He can take away sin.

Tolle is a positive thinker but he is offering no cure, just a sugar pill pushed by a media icon.

**For another great article on the subject, click here!

Sermon Challenge
Mercy Makeover
James 2:1-13

It is natural human tendency to segregate. Sure, even in our americanized culture of "diversity training" and the equality movements all around, it's is pretty obvious social sects exist whether we admit it or not. Name brands are thrown in our faces, whether it's a car, clothes, or even groceries we segregate socially with the best of them. Yet, from God's perspective people are people, regardless of the ethnic or social tags we (as humans) put on them God doesn't see life in the same way that we do.

God does however have his own classification system, and it is a little different from ours. Here in James, we see that we are all in the same boat, we are all law-breakers. God classifies us then, not as sinners and non-sinners, but as the faithful and the un-faithful. He sees us as saved and unsaved, as those who have accepted him, or as those whom have rejected him. Ultimately James is challenging his readers not to show favoritism based upon social classes but to show Jesus to everyone! Many times we ignore the ones that are more ready for Jesus based upon our own human criteria.

Let us make a pact; let us take a stand to mindful of those we tend to ignore, to show compassion to those we haven't. To pray that God will allow us to see people in the same way that he does. We are all the needy, we are all the sick and we are ALL in need of a Savior!

Person James 2:1-13

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Youth Update
Discipleship Process

Recently our Student Ministry has taken a new approach to Discipleship. Shaun our Youth Pastor has started meeting with some of our more committed youth on Tuesday mornings. They are studying hard and working on holding one another accountable to reading God's Word.

If you are interest in joining them in their daily reading times, you can see their progress at www.tmdevos.blogspot.com.

Sermon Challenge
"More Than Words"
James 1:19-27

This week as we dig deeper into the book of James, we are faced with a challenge, not to be merely hearers of God's Word, but to be doers of God's Word. One of the questions within our study guides has to do with using God's Word to make everyday decisions in our lives. As our Small Group discussed this thought, we came to realize, most decisions we make, we don't open up our Bible's to find the answer, but because we are connected to God's Word, we use the principles that he lines out for us in scripture to help us make a wise decision. If we are not in His Word, it makes it difficult to remember or think of what we ought to do.

God's Word is more than just words, and it is far more than just some good ideas. It is living and it is active (Hebrews 4:12). This aspect of scripture may make it kind of difficult for us sometimes. We want to know the answer, we prefer things to be black and white. It would be a whole lot easier if God would just say, "Yes, take the job!" or "No don't talk to that guy," or "Yes, buy that family a gallon of milk!" Wouldn't that be nice. "Wake up at 6am, workout, pray, hug your kids, go to work oh and stop by the coffee shop, someone there wants to hear about Jesus." That would make life a breeze.

God though has given us His Word, His example and His Law to be a help to us as we make every day decisions. God has gifted us with not only His Word, but wisdom. He has put other Christian believers in our lives and like any good parent, he tells us the decision is ours. We are more than just hearers of God's Word, we are doers! The question begs to be asked, has the Word of God penetrated your life enough to help you make wise decisions? Are you living for God, or just for a whim?

This week as you read God's Word, try this: Read with a pen or a highlighter. As you come across issues in God's Word, underline or highlight those ideas in God's Word that will be a guide for you in decision making. From loving your brother, to praying for you enemies how do those effect the decisions you make every single day.

Person James 1:19-27

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Sermon Challenge
Easter, Jesus and the Tabernacle
Hebrews 8-10

The pictures that we get from Jesus in the Old Testament are rather revealing about who Jesus was. I often hear from people and have experienced myself that writing e-mails and letters is a difficult way to communicate because much of communication is non-verbal. Paul in his letter to the Corinthians at one point in time even says, "I write this to shame you." Hoping they wouldn't take the letter the wrong way.

With that in mind I often wonder the tone of some of the things recorded about Jesus. I was listening to a dramatic rendition of Easter on my Ipod yesterday and the narrators had Jesus portrayed as a quiet rather melancholy voice. I just don't know if Jesus would have sounded like that? One of my favorite films to critique is a Jesus film I watched a number of years ago. Everyone of Jesus disciples spoke in modern english, while Jesus spoke in King James.

This communication barrier is hard to overcome and I wonder if that is why God uses more than just words to point to Jesus. He uses stories, analogies, meals, sacrifices and tabernacles to tell the story of Jesus. As you read through the Bible, New Testament and Old, take some time to concentrate on the many ways that God communicates about Jesus. Then ask yourself: How are you communicating Jesus to those around you. It better be more than just words, and it better be more than just actions. . . . .

Sermon Challenge

Palm Sunday
'The Suffering Servant"
Isaiah 53

The point of Jesus' suffering was for me. Have you ever really thought about that? Jesus suffered for you and me. I have a hard time grasping this concept because there are very few people that I would suffer for like Jesus suffered. I certainly cannot find myself suffering for a stranger, let alone an ungrateful stranger. Yet, that is what Jesus did. . .

Jesus suffered not just for those who accept him, he also suffered for those who would never choose to follow him. Why? That is the only way! He had to suffer that way and he knew it. In Mark 8 and 10 Jesus predicts his death, he explains the suffering that he would have to endure for ALL of mankind. In 2 Corinthians 4 Paul gives an incredible account of how Jesus' death effects us, starting in verse 10. "We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you."

No matter the suffering that Jesus went through, God has left us with a purpose! We are to be life in a dead world. "LIFE is at work in you." Those who Jesus died for, many of them will never hear that message if not for YOU. That is purpose, that is LIFE. YOU are LIFE!

Passion Week Prayer Schedule

Please note the changes to the Prayer Schedule for Passion Week.

Sunday, March 16th - First Baptist Church
Monday, March 17th - South Lane Christian Center
Tuesday, March 18th - Praise Center
Wednesday, March 19th - Living Faith Assembly

We are encouraging everyone to come out for the Town Hall Meeting in regard to Cottage Grove Vision 2037 on Thursday, March 20th at 6pm. Please come and let your voice be known. The meeting will be held at Cottage Grove High School.

Sermon Challenge
Tried and Tested
James 1:1-18

I just returned from the Emmanuel School of Religion's Northwest Scholarship Banquet. (Try to say that five times fast.) Captain Chip Fowler, a chaplain in the United States Military was the honored speaker for the event. He spoke very little about his own experiences in the military but highlighted some very important military personnel found in scripture. He not only pointed out those who made a difference in the name of Jesus, but those who even failed to stand in the midst of truth.

Many times our trials can lead us to a very decisive point, a choice on whether we are going to choose to follow Jesus, or just sweep the truth under the carpet. James in chapter 1 verse 6-8 I believe is talking about those who were NOT ready for the trials God sends. Those trials toss us back and forth in a sea of doubt because our faith, our knowledge of our God and our trust in His word is lacking.

This last weekend has been a glaring reminder of stories about those who have given up on God in the midst of trial and even temptation. When everything hits the fan, are you ready to weather the storm? I pray that you are prepared for the trials in your life.

I also want to encourage those who have stepped away from God in the midst of trial and are returning to put their trust in him again. He is worth trusting, he is an anchor in the storm! HOLD ON TIGHTLY!

Person James 1:1-18

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Message Challenge
"Extreme Life Makeover"
Messages from the book of James

Week 1: The Foundation

I know I told everyone we are starting the book of James but this week we didn't even get into verse 1. One of the things that I think is very important is that we are all on the same page. We are all starting from the same spot with the same standard in mind. We talked about what it means to be a "new creation," as Christians we are called to put off the old and put on the new! Our memory verse: 2 Corinthians 4:16, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are renewed day by day."

Everyday we have a choice. When we wake up, every morning, we make a choice to be renewed, or not. Are you allowing God to renew you, or are you ignoring Him for your own selfish desires. Our choice is to raise the standard for our lives, to be holy. That is the renewal, that is the fresh start we get every single day. Our desire for Holiness is not about earning our way into heaven, we desire to be Holy because that is what God has already made us.

Challenge: Look at yourself this week as a new creation. The old is gone, the new has come! Ask yourself this question: are you ready to raise the standard for your life?

PS If you haven't gotten involved in a Small Group yet, consider it today!

Sermon Challenge
Ephesians 4&5
Why Church?

I run into people a lot that claim faith but don't like going to church. Essentially saying, "You God are cool but your kids drive me crazy. Can I be a follower without hanging out with your children and going to church?" I bet we have all felt like that at one time or another. We are faced with the truth that people are selfish, mean, bratty and sometimes completely bull headed. Hold on, that even describes me!

So, what are we left to do? Well, once in while God has a tendancy to hit you and I upside the head with a 2x4. You see, if God was still willing to die on the cross and forgive us when we were self centered, egotiscal, and mean; then shouldn't we be showing love and patience to one another when we struggle with the same issues. We should be willing to say, "I will cut you slack, because Jesus did for me?" Then don't you think this world would be a better place? Don't you think it would be fun then to go to church?

A church with grace. I kind of like the idea. "Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and himself up for us." Galatians 5:2. Take some time this week to check your attitude, to ask God for an extra measure of grace and mercy as you live for HIM. In fact, take a moment right this minute to pray for your church and those who are a part of it.

aaron

The Beatitudes

The last 3 weeks we have looked at the beatitudes of Jesus from a totally different perspective during our Wednesday night study. Jeff Walling (DVD) has led us in giving us a unique perspective on these various attitudes that Jesus calls us to have. Attitudes about how we deal with one another in relationships. Let me break it down for you the best that I can:

1. Blessed are the poor in spirit: "I need you." - The poor in spirit need others. We have to realize that as believers we need one another.
2. Blessed are those who mourn: "I'm Sorry." - Being a follower of Christ is not always easy, we have to realize when it is that we fall short and admit it.
3. Blessed are the meek: "I respect you." - Meekness is power under control. It is being respectful even when you are obviously supposed to be respected.
   
4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for Righteousness: "I will do what is right, regardless." - We are called be examples as followers of Jesus, as parents, as grandparents, etc. We must do the right thing no matter what the circumstance is.
   
5. Blessed are the merciful: "I have forgiven you already." - Mercy is a very hard thing to give, but we are called to do it. Mercy means forgiving others even when they are so obviously wrong. Are you a forgiving person?
6. Blessed are those who are pure in heart: "I will be honest with you always." - It is very important that people do not have to guess what you are thinking. Honesty is a lost art in our society. Be honest with others.
7. Blessed are the peacemakers: "Let me be the first to stop the fighting." - Wow what a difficult thing. Are you willing to be the first to stop the fight. Many times we get caught up in the fighting because our pride gets in the way of peace. Be the first to stop the fight.
8. Blessed are those who persecute you: "I will cut you slack, because Jesus did for me." Hmmmm I think this one speaks for itself.

God is very very concerned about how we treat one another. John 13:34 speaks of this very truth. How we care for one another matters.

Let's all try to apply these truths about relationship not only within the church, but within our families, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc.

As my family was looking at the amazing lunar eclipse this evening, my wife reminded me of an awesome truth this phenomenon: We should all be like the moon, reflecting the sun (son) as we live for Jesus. How is your reflection.

aaron

Sermon Challenge
Luke 18:9-14
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

This week we took a deep look at the difference between the attitude of the Pharisee and that of the Tax Collector. The difference really comes down to the heart of the matter. The Pharisee thought he was something, he tithes, fasts and is not a sinner. Yet, he failed to recognize that apart from God, none of us are anything. Where as the Tax Collector came to the realization that God desires from all of us. "Forgive me God, I'm a sinner!"

God desires for us to be people of repentance. To realize how far from perfect we are and how much we really NEED God. James 2:10 tells us that we are all in the same boat, one sin made us guilty of breaking the whole law. Romans 3:23 says that we have ALL sinned, and 1 John 1:10 even tells us that if we say we are with out sin, we are liars.

Repentance is the turning away from sin, to follow God (Acts 3:19). It is more than just being sorry, it's a choice to follow God and live by His example. "Be Holy as I am Holy," God told his people. (1 Peter 1:16) It does not mean we will be perfect without sin, but it does mean we are going to make every attempt to be the kind of people God wants us to be.

My challenge for you this week is to take some time, write in a journal, who is God asking you to be? As a father, mother, grandparent, child, church member, city dweller, neighbor or friend, what kind of person is God desiring for you to be?

Prayer for Faith

This past week a couple incredible friends of mine gave pre-mature birth to their second child, Faith. Faith needed immediate recesitation and within the first few minutes of her life 11 doctors tended to her every need. The doctors are not hopeful that Faith will have full recover. The prognosis is not strong, though her kidneys and lungs appear to functioning properly it seems her brain was lacking oxygen for an extended period of time. Her is what Brock (Faith's dad) wrote today regarding God and his daughter Faith. . .

"I am a father that is hoping and praying for a miracle. And I have Faith that God will come through. I understand that God has a plan, and that sometimes his will is not my own. I understand that know matter what happens, God is in control and that I need to trust him. Throughout this entire ordeal I have felt God's hand on my shoulder keeping me strong. Even when I am a ball of mush that cannot contain my tears, I know that God is still with me. And I know he is with Faith as well. Remember, Faith is believinging in God even when it is hardest."

Please be praying for baby Faith, her parents, Brock and Cami and Faith's big sister Brenna.

If you would like to read the blog Brock wrote about Faith, click here.

Sermon Challenge
Luke 16:19-31
The Rich Man and Lazarus

I'm not normally this late with my sermon challenge posting, but I really do have good excuses, which also includes helping my father-in-law pour cement at his new house. If you are a father-in-law, or have one, you know why I had to do what I did. . .

This week's sermon was scary for me. I don't talk a lot about hell. It's just not my favorite subject. I prefer many other things which is probably why this week was so good for me as I was able to really put this world into perspective. I can live confidently in knowing that when I die, my savior is waiting for me. With that hope and confidence in mind I press on working hard in this life to make an eternal difference. Not everyone around me has that hope, that makes my job all the more important. I MUST be sharing Jesus to a world dieing without him.

This week: Take some time to pray for those who do not know the Saviour. Do not live in fear, live in the confidence that comes from knowing Jesus. I spoke on Sunday about a couple friends of mine that I have lost, these guys lived their life with hope. I found this (actually someone found it for me) on the internet. Jeanne Clem is dieing of terminal cancer and she was asked by her church to share the joys and the struggles of know Jesus during this hard time. Check out this video here.

We do not need to be concerned about death. Paul says to this great enemy of man kind, "O Death where is your victory, where is your sting?" Be strong in that hope but please do not forget to share it with those who have none.

Sermon Challenge
Matthew 20:1-16
Workers in the Vineyard

Jesus tells an interesting story here in the 20th Chapter of Matthew. A Vineyard owner hires some help for his Vineyard. He hires a few guys bright and early in the morning, promising them a full days wage. Later on in the morning he hires a few more, promising them a fair wage, later on he hires a few more, and even hires a few guys just before quitting time. At the end of the day, he begins to pay those who had arrived latest (who had only worked for one hour). He pays them a full denarius (one days wage), the others expect to be paid more, naturally. Yet, the land owner pays each and everyone of the workers the same exact wage.

Yesterday we looked a few different aspects to this story. It is a story about grace, each and every one of us does not deserve grace, yet God gives it to us, not based upon how we live or who we are, but based upon who we follow. There are some warnings that God gives:

1. Be careful of comparison: Those who had put in a full day expected more, they compared themselves to the others who had not worked a full day. There will always be someone more holy than you are, and there will always be someone far less holy than you too. Don't worry about it. You need to be concerned about you. Are you giving all that you have to God?
   
2. Be careful of complaining: The first thing the guys who had worked a full day did when they received their pay was to complain. The felt they deserved better. They probably had a pretty good beef, it doesn't seem fair to me from a worldly standard. Yet, God makes it quite clear that we are not to be focused on the things of this world. God's ways are far better than ours, we need to trust his judgment in the things happening around us.

God is sure mysterious. Isaiah 55:8 says, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways." We certainly saw evidence of that on Sunday with the snow. What incredible beauty the snow brings, and consider the power of the weather, knocking down trees and power lines. I don't remember hearing about that kind of storm in the weather on Saturday night.

Our lives with God in control, are built to handle the storms of life. We serve God with an eternity in mind. Let's keep from complaining, from comparing, let's focus on what matters. How is your relationship with God? It matters not if you are 10 or 100, we work, we serve, we follow our God until the end.

This week, strive to be a follower of God!

aaron

Sermon Challenge
Luke 16:1-9
Using our Treasure

Today, is Blue Monday, the most depressing day of the year (according to people who know that sort of thing). It is the day that people's lives come crashing down. Monday's are generally no fun at all anyway, combine that with an unmet New Year resolution, the reality of over spending during the holiday, and the average January full of cold, cloudy blah. Today is a reality check day for most of America.

Yesterday we talked about being wise with our treasure, being smart about how we share our faith and how we use the hope God has given us. Today is a pretty good day to use that schrewdness. How many people do you know that have over spent during this holiday season? How can you be an encouragement to a friend or neighbor on these dreary days? Who can you talk to about your faith?

As sermon challenges go, this is not an easy one. It takes fore thought, planning and the usual follow through. Let's start with this. . . write down the name, maybe two names of people in your life that need to know Jesus. A friend a neighbor, maybe a co-worker. Then, pray! Pray that God will give you the right words to say, the right circumstances to say them under. Last of all, I pray that you will share this person you are praying for with another believer who will help you pray for him/her. Share it with your small group, or close friend.

We need to work together on this one! Let's ALL accept the challenge.

ae

Sermon Challenge
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
Matthew 25:1-14

Are you ready? That is the questions we posed yesterday. Well, are you? Jesus is very clear that his return is pending and that when he does come back, he will return without warning, like a "thief in the night." Many people speculate the return of Jesus and the type of things that will go on before his return. Recently, a man in northern Idaho chopped his hand off and put it in the microwave, truly believing that he had the mark of the beast.*

We can either live in fear of the Lord's coming, or we can stand confidently knowing that as followers of Jesus we have a glorious reunion to be preparing for. In the parable of the 10 virgins, there were 5 who were prepared and 5 who were not. The bridegrooms return was delayed and 5 were not prepared for the long haul. Are you prepared to stick it out? The prepared virgins had enough to last, they were fueled up, and though the bridegroom's return was delayed, when he arrived they were ready!

This week take some time apply this passage and ask yourself that hard question. Are you ready? Maybe we should ask this question in another way: Are you excited about the return of Jesus? If you can answer yes, than most likely you are ready. If you are not ready, it's time to get ready. Make a plan, a decision to know your creator and be ready for his return.

*read more about it: here
**The best thing to remember about the return of Jesus, is that Jesus wins!

Applying Scripture

Application: The step between knowing and doing what scripture tells us.

Often times we talk about "living out our faith", or being "doers of the Word," but do we really understand what we are talking about, or even how to do that? I believe there are some very important steps that we as readers of God's Word need to know and to understand so that we to can apply God's Word to the way that we live. Each time you open your Bible, or dig into your devotions there are a few things to consider:

1. What is the Challenge? In trying to understand what God is challenging you with, you may want to consider why and to who was this section of scripture originally intended. What then are you being challenged with today through this passage. It may be challenging the way you treat others, the way you parent, the way you manage, your attitude, etc. So, what is that?
   
   
2. What is your plan to change? How are you going to apply this scripture? If you are being challenged to be a better father, how are you going to do it? Maybe God is encouraging you to have a better attitude, how do you pull it off? Make a plan, put legs to the idea. This is action required stuff, what is the action going to be.
   
   
3. Seek accountability. Who is going to encourage you to follow through with your plan? Many times we make a plan and never tell a soul about it. Then it is easy to simply not follow through. If you really want to follow through with the plan, tell someone who will bug you until it gets done!
   
   
4. Do it. Don't talk about it, do it!
   

I hope these thoughts help you as you dig into God's Word this year. The Bible is soooo full of awesome ideas, lets work on putting some action; some application, to our reading this year. In all things God will receive the glory.

Sermon Challenge
The Parable of the Treasure
Matthew 13:44-46

The last couple of weeks we have focused on the parable of the Treasure. Jesus gives us an awesome picture of the importance of the Gospel and our relationship with God. He equates the Gospel and this relationship that we have with Jesus to a treasure, a treasure you would give anything to have.

The best part of this treasure, is no matter how much you give away, you will never lose any of it. God does not want us to be stingy with this treasure, he wants, he needs us to give it away. Our treasure is not to be buried or hidden, it is to be shown and shared. Make sure you are sharing your treasure.

My challenge to you this week is to take your treasure and share it. This can be as simple as telling someone about how excited about you are about your small group, or church family that you are. Sometimes it's that simple, we don't have to know all the answers, we just need to be excited about our Savior.

Have a great week!

aaron