WHAT DID YOU SAY?
What Did You Say? In our continued journey with James, we
hear him telling us that our tongue is a very dangerous object. He tells us
that is must come under control or otherwise it will destroy those that are
in its hearing. Many times we will hear people say things that are very difficult
to understand and so we ask them, What did you say? There are also those times
when we heard very clearly what the person said and we ask them, What did
you say? in order to have justification for our actions with either our tongue
or worst. You may remember the old saying of, Sticks and stones may break
my bones, but words will never hurt me. I have my own saying concerning this
remark. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can kill me. However,
a kind word will give life to someone. Jesus reminds us that the tongue only
speaks what resides in our heart. That is why it is so important to have our
hearts and minds renewed by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. For
it is only through the teaching of the Holy Spirit about Jesus that we can
even begin to speak with an instructed tongue . Is 50.4 Fr. Joe Rhodes, former
rector
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FAITH & WORKS
Faith & Works, Grace & Works: In today's lesson from
James, he tells us that faith without works is dead (James 2.26). The question
comes to whether this is in contrast to what Paul tells us in his letter to
the Romans about salvation, if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if
it were, grace would no longer be grace. (Rm 11.6) How do we reconcile this
seemingly difference concerning Salvation through Works and Salvation through
Grace? Actually, it is not difficult at all. For, everyone who calls on the
name of the Lord will be saved. (Rm 10.13) And our response to God's Grace
poured out on us (acceptance) is good works. Therefore, if we do not do acts
of mercy (letting people know that they are loved by God, healing the sick,
raising the dead, praying for those who persecute us, visiting those in prison,
etc.) we really do not believe that God's Grace has been poured out on us.
Will doing acts of mercy save us in and of themselves? No!! What James is
saying is that our actions show forth what we believe. James will not let
us have an ethereal relationship with God alone. The incarnation is always
present. Our body is always a part of our spiritual journey, it is not separate.
That is why James will say, Faith without Works is dead! Faith & Works,
Grace & Works: same message, different venue. Fr.
Joe Rhodes, former rector
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WORSHIP
In our Vision for Holy Spirit: To Build Up the Body of Christ,
Being Transformed Through Worship with prayer, teaching, fellowship and testimony
through the ministry of our congregation; let us never forget that Worship
is a life style. For us to Build Up the Body of Christ, every aspect of our
life needs to honor our Lord Jesus Christ.
The question may arise as “how do you
worship?†There are many ways to worship our Lord. The vision
statement gives us four particular ways that have been handed down since the
Church was born (Acts 2.42). For us to be able to worship Jesus, we have to
want to worship Him. It is a choice that each one of us has to make. Coming
to church and singing songs and hymns of praise helps us to move from being
self centered to God centered in Jesus through the Holy Spirit. As we lift
our prayers to the Lord, we are made aware of many needs that there are around
us. Hearing the testimonies of how the Lord is working in each of our lives
on a daily basis, encourages us to know that the Lord is near and ready to
save us from despair and to give us hope. Our fellowship is so dear, because
we get to share on a more intimate level the things that God has done in our
lives and to be able to enjoy each other.
How do you worship the Lord? In music, dance, driving,
singing, service to others, being available, daily prayer & devotion,
and the list could go on and on. There are so many ways in which you can worship
Jesus, but the bottom line is this; does my life honor the one who gave His
life for me? Fr. Joe Rhodes, former rector
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Jesus Is the Answer!!
What are you looking for in life? If it is to find fulfillment
in the pleasures of the world, then it will be a very short life. The promises
of this world all lead to an existence of an unfulfilled life.
However, if you want the most out of the time that you have
on planet earth, the answer is Jesus! There is a vast difference in what the
world offers you and what Jesus has to offer. Jesus offers a relationship
with the Father for eternity. Jesus tells us that He is the way, the truth,
and the life. That no one is able to get to the Father except through Him.
(John 14.6)
If you look to Jesus for the answers of life, you will see
that they are very hard to achieve. Many people have just given up on Jesus
because the commitment to Him was too much and it interfered with what they
wanted. Yet, Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit to help us to follow the life
and teachings of Jesus.
The decision is yours. Do you want to just exist in this
world or do you want to live in this world? In order to live in this world
you need Jesus. For it is only in and through Him that we can have a full
life. Don't delay; make a commitment to Jesus today!! Pray this little prayer
right now. Lord Jesus, come into my life right now and help me have a full
life in You. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me to live my life for you.
Thank you, Jesus. Now you are ready to be changed into the person that you
were created to be by the Father. Spend time in the Bible so that you will
know the difference between the world's point of view and that of the Father.
Talk to the Lord on a regular basis. Let Him know your concerns and be open
to the Holy Spirit to guide and direct you in His paths of righteousness.
Fr. Joe Rhodes, former rector