Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says (James 1:22).
James reflects on Jesus’ words spoken at the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount. Yes, we must listen to the word, God’s revelation to us in the Bible. We must attend Bible studies, listen to biblical preaching, study the Bible at home – – – immerse ourselves in biblical truth. Then what? Those who hear the Word of God but do not practice it are deceived. I once knew an elder who boasted that he read the Bible from cover to cover once every year. That is impressive. Did he follow that up with a commitment to do what the Bible says? Not always. He once called me a liar for relating some of the things I experienced at seminary, and he wasn’t even there! I have known highly educated Christians to stab other Christians in the back. They read but do not always practice.
Okay, to be honest, I struggle to obey some of Jesus’ teaching. James’s point is that we must make every effort to read and then do. We certainly should never knowingly disregard the teachings of Jesus. The slogan of a few years ago, WWJD, is a good one. Before we act, we need to ask, “What would Jesus do?” Does Jesus approve of these words or this action? If not, we need to cease and desist.
Today’s message is from Matthew 4:1-11 where Jesus is Tested in the Wilderness
4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. 3 The tempter came to Him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
5 Then the devil took Him to the holy city and had Him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
“He will command His angels concerning You, and they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’”
7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
8 Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if You will bow down and worship me.”
10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”
11 Then the devil left Him, and angels came and attended Him.
Following the morning worship, Hopewell enjoyed a delicious potluck lunch and excellent fellowship in preparation for Randy Polson’s ordination service.
REVISED Easter morning schedule starts with breakfast Sunday, April 9 at 9:45 a.m. followed by Worship Service at 11:00 a.m. and an Easter Egg Hunt at noon. Check out Hopewell Baptist Church Facebook page streaming live at 11:15 a.m.
Lincoln First Baptist Church
Today was a great day to be in the Lord’s house. We had a young man come forward today who has accepted the Lord. What a great thing to do. In two weeks we will have 3 people to baptize into the family of God. Hallelujah. The sanctuary looks really nice with all the flowers. Easter is next week so please attend the church of your choice to celebrate the risen Savior. Easter Sunday April 9 sunrise service is at 8 am, following is breakfast at 8:30 am, Sunday school at 9:30 am and worship at 10:30 am. Please come and celebrate with us.
God is blessing our church with the growth of Sunday school and youth. Our worship service is also growing. Many are coming back to join us who has been gone for awhile.
We observed the Lord’s supper today. Pastor Jesse told us we need to know the meaning and understand what communion is. If you aren’t saved you can’t observe communion. When you become saved you can participate.
Pastor’s sermon was from 1 Kings 19. Elijah never failed to follow God. He always served God. Elijah had killed all the prophets with a sword. Ahab had told Jezebel what he had done. She threatened Elijah with death. Elijah fled for his life but God found him. Elijah had prayed to die but the angel of the Lord told him to get up and eat.
God was still going to use Elijah for His glory.
We have all thought God why am I here. If bad things don’t kill you your strength will make you stronger. The journey is great in God. When God gives you a commission you need to do it. Your blessings may bring blessings to others. Be a witness for God. We need to stand with others. God is our greatest protection. Jesus was all alone going to the cross. Give your heart to God.
We have boxes to collect items for camp. Pantry items and paper items. There will be a Women’s Fellowship Luncheon at Lakeside Chapel April 15th at 11:30 am. GOD BLESS EACH ONE THIS WEEK.
Unity of the Lakes
Please join us at Unity of the Lakes this Sunday 4/9/23 for our Easter celebration. He is risen! Our scripture reference is John 20:1-18. In addition to enjoying the resurrection experience, Rev. Don will be presenting Holy Communion, which is the common union between God and man. This is offered to everyone whether or not you are a member of this church or any church. This is between you and your God. If you have not been to church in some time or have felt the church did not address your spiritual needs, this may be the service for you. Service is 11 am. We are located 8 miles south of Warsaw on highway 65. Dress is casual and all are welcome. We look forward to seeing you.
From the Pastor’s Desk
I was walking down the street the other night. I heard music from down the way from a bar. I couldn’t understand the words or remember the tune or who was singing .I have no idea what the title of the song was.
It was just the that music compelled me to write something. The words ” our converts don’t last” stuck in my mind. So I wrote this song or poem and called it, ” The Scars of a Pastor’s Heart.”
Some call Him Jesus, few call Him Lord
No one preaches the gospel as they did once before
The preacher stood in the pulpit and preached on Christ’s blood
He preached on forgiveness and he preached on His love
He preached on heaven, and he preached on hell
He preached fire and brimstone that no one will tell
We don’t have the guilt and the conviction of the past
That is why our converts, yes, our converts….. don’t last
Well, he preached on faith, and he preached on God’s grace he preached with great sorrow and with passion of heart. He preached on salvation and he preached on the cross. He held up his Bible as faithful and true tears filled his eyes and said I will tell you what to do understand that you are a sinner, Lord Jesus Christ died for you
Believe on Him and He will save you…… too.
The preacher trembled as he gave an altar call but no one came, no not one at all. He fell on his knees and he began to pray that someone would come and someone would get saved.
Well, his congregation grew old and they all died . He preached their funerals and for each one he cried. His church eventually died off as people wouldn’t come, they said it was too far there on his heart their words left a scar.
Well, years passed and that preacher did die. They buried him in a cemetery on a lonely hill side. They placed a marker there on his grave it said, The Lord Jesus Christ died for you
Won’t you get saved?
