Do you have the patience of Job? Most of us would say we don't. Where did that term originate anyway? As I peruse the pages of the book of Job, I see a significant amount of restraint and faithfulness in the midst of suffering, but I don't find the term "patience" as it relates to Job; in fact, the only reference to patience when it comes to Job is his question to his friends, "What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What prospects, that I should be patient?" (Job 6:11)
So then, where does this concept come from, if not from the book of Job? It comes from James, the half-brother of our Lord Jesus Christ. He says, "Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." (James 5:10-11, KJV)
The word "patience" in this verse is also translated as perseverance, steadfastness, and endurance in other translations. The distinctions among these terms must be noted. The actual Greek term used by James is hupomone. It carries the idea of a person who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to his faith in the face of suffering and/or persecution.
Job would not curse God, even in the most dire of sufferings. The very essence of God is His patience..."The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some consider slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)
God is patient. Job displayed patience. Come find out this Sunday how you, too, can foster the fruit of patience!
Randy
Friday, January 28, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Got Peace?
The psalmist encourages us to "seek peace and pursue it." (Ps. 34:14) David would also later declare to the Lord, "Great peace have they who love your law." (Ps. 119:165)Solomon would state with confidence, "A heart at peace gives life to the body." (Pr. 14:30)
Isaiah prophesied that the "Prince of Peace" would come from a virgin (Is. 9:6). This prophecy was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ. This same Jesus, as a grown man, would say, "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword." (Mt. 10:34)
How are we to reconcile this paradox? These scriptures seem to be contradictory, but the Spirit which gives us understanding helps us to see that Christ's first coming brought the sword by which He divides those who fully follow Him versus those who only profess His name. His Second Coming is to usher in everlasting peace. In the meantime, those who are fully-devoted followers of the Prince of Peace find that He IS their peace, both in this life and in the life to follow.
Have you ever noticed how the genuinely converted Christian displays a remarkable CALM in the midst of tragedy, trial and tumult? I have, and it IS quite remarkable.
The question is...do you have peace? Is Jesus YOUR Peace, or are you trying to find peace through some other means. This Sunday, we will learn from God's inerrant, holy, inspired LOVE LETTER to man that we all CAN have the peace of Christ.
See you Sunday!
Pastor Randy
Isaiah prophesied that the "Prince of Peace" would come from a virgin (Is. 9:6). This prophecy was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ. This same Jesus, as a grown man, would say, "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword." (Mt. 10:34)
How are we to reconcile this paradox? These scriptures seem to be contradictory, but the Spirit which gives us understanding helps us to see that Christ's first coming brought the sword by which He divides those who fully follow Him versus those who only profess His name. His Second Coming is to usher in everlasting peace. In the meantime, those who are fully-devoted followers of the Prince of Peace find that He IS their peace, both in this life and in the life to follow.
Have you ever noticed how the genuinely converted Christian displays a remarkable CALM in the midst of tragedy, trial and tumult? I have, and it IS quite remarkable.
The question is...do you have peace? Is Jesus YOUR Peace, or are you trying to find peace through some other means. This Sunday, we will learn from God's inerrant, holy, inspired LOVE LETTER to man that we all CAN have the peace of Christ.
See you Sunday!
Pastor Randy
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
There's an app for that...
When Apple introduced the new iphone 3, the catchy commercial promoting the new product emphasized all the apps (applications) that came with or could be downloaded onto that phone. It seems that no matter what you want or need, there is an "app" for that.
The Christian is commanded to apply the principles and commandments of Scripture to his/her daily walk. We are commanded to love one another. We are commanded to be patient. We are commanded to be kind. And oftentimes, we find ourselves agreeing with the command but feeling at a loss for the "How."
So, is there an "app" for loving one another? How about being patient? Or showing kindness? The answer is simply, "Yes," "Yes," and "Yes."
Join us as we delve into the fruit of the Spirit each Sunday for the next 8 Sundays. This past Sunday, we looked at the application for love. Join us this Sunday as we discover the secret of JOY!
And yes, there IS an app for THAT!
Pastor Randy
The Christian is commanded to apply the principles and commandments of Scripture to his/her daily walk. We are commanded to love one another. We are commanded to be patient. We are commanded to be kind. And oftentimes, we find ourselves agreeing with the command but feeling at a loss for the "How."
So, is there an "app" for loving one another? How about being patient? Or showing kindness? The answer is simply, "Yes," "Yes," and "Yes."
Join us as we delve into the fruit of the Spirit each Sunday for the next 8 Sundays. This past Sunday, we looked at the application for love. Join us this Sunday as we discover the secret of JOY!
And yes, there IS an app for THAT!
Pastor Randy
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