Sermon Central
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Be Prepared
Contributed by Perry Greene on Jan 4, 2012 (message contributor)
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1. On The Grow
Contributed on Jan 4, 2012
This lesson introduces a study in the book of James. This study will focus on how to "Be Prepared" for living in our current world.
1. Author Jack London made some observations from his adventures in the Canadian Yukon. One thing he observed was that beginners on the Yukon trail attempted to carry with them all of their conveniences which belonged to their old way of life. Packs would begin to get too heavy and the trail ...read more
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2. No Pain, No Gain
Contributed on Jan 13, 2012
Trials are inevitable and become beneficial. James helps us prepare for what IS coming.
1. I like what one man wrote about God’s curriculum for life: • He has a course entitled, “Testing 101” • The Class Yell is “Ouch!” • The school colors are Black and Blue • The class motto is: This too shall pass 2. Testing is a common ...read more
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3. Wise Up O Men Of God!
Contributed on Jan 19, 2012
Wisdom is a key aspect of a disciple's life. God provides it in a number of ways, including through the trials of life.
In 1999, State Farm Insurance rated the most dangerous intersections for accidents in the United States. The winner (or better, loser) was the corner of Belt Line Road and Midway Road in Addison, Texas. There were 263 reported crashes at that intersection in the Dallas suburb. That averages out to ...read more
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4. Perseverence Pays
Contributed on Jan 31, 2012
Faithful perseverence is the key to surviving our trials.
Runner’s World (8/91) told the story of Beth Anne DeGiantis’s attempt to qualify for the 1992 Olympic Trials marathon. A female runner must complete the 26 mile, 385 yard race in less than two hours, forty-five minutes in order to compete in the Olympic Trials. Beth started strong but ...read more
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5. Choices
Contributed on Feb 8, 2012
God is steady in his dealings with us. He does not deceive us or try to draw us into sin. We make the choice to stand with God or give into temptations.
1. Politician A politician was running for re-election and was talking at a campaign stop to his constituents. "My opponent has called me a liar. I want you to know that I have never lied to you. The only problem I have is that the facts don’t always match up with what I believe or say." ...read more
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6. Behaving As We Believe
Contributed on Feb 15, 2012
Faith is more than a mental understanding of God and his good things, it is action.
1There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, and it lies heavy on mankind: 2a man to whom God gives wealth, possessions, and honor, so that he lacks nothing of all that he desires, yet God does not give him power to enjoy them, but a stranger enjoys them. This is vanity; it is a grievous evil. ...read more
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7. Creed Or Deed?
Contributed on Feb 29, 2012
What matters the most in our walk with God? Faith is not just metnal acknowledgement of the living God but actions to affirm him in our lives.
Did you ever wonder where that expression The Real McCoy comes from? According to the folks at phrases.org, nobody really knows for sure. Several possibilities are often cited. • Some think it came from the advertisements for a brand of Scottish whiskey from the 1870’s. To combat ...read more
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8. Of Books And Covers
Contributed on Mar 29, 2012
Judgmental discrimination is a significant sin. Jesus breaks down the barriers and we must follow his lead!
1. Favoritism – Visitor Survey Back in the 1980’s, a man visited 18 different churches of differing beliefs to find out what churches are really like. The man said that he sat near the front. After each service he walked slowly to the rear; then returned to the front; and then back to ...read more
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9. Avoiding Dead Faith
Contributed on May 3, 2012
James continues to remind us that faith is active. It is not mere mental assent but obediently imitating God by loving our neighbors.
1. Secret Service A man was coming out of church one day, and the preacher was standing at the door as he always is to shake hands. (You know. The preacher’s job is to: shake them in, shake them up, and shake them out!) Well, he grabbed the guy by the hand and pulled him aside. The preacher ...read more
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10. Exercising A Dynamic Faith
Contributed on Jun 4, 2012
We have observed dead faith and demonic faith, both of which are useless to us. This lesson focuses in on dynamic faith which is essential. The lesson holds up Abraham and Rahab, two people at opposite ends of the spectrum as examples of proper faith.
1. Some apparent dilemmas: • “Look before you leap” vs. “He who hesitates is lost.” • Proverbs 26.4-5: 4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. 5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own ...read more
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11. Putting Out The Wild Fire
Contributed on Jun 25, 2012
The sins of the toungue are like a wild fire in process. God can control our words and put out the devastation of the fire of our lips.
1. Speech, the Importance of: Pianist Arthur Rubenstein, who could speak in eight languages, once told this story on himself: Some years ago he had a stubborn case of hoarseness. The newspapers were full of reports about smoking and cancer; so he decided to consult a throat specialist. "I searched ...read more
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12. Conflict: Causes And Cures Part 2
Contributed on Aug 2, 2012
Once we establish the reality and causes of conflict we need to find a cure for them. God shows us the way to remove conflict is by a humble spirit towards others.
1. End of WWII World War II had ended. On September 2, 1945 General Douglas MacArthur spoke to a waiting world from the Battleship Missouri anchored in Tokyo Bay, “Today the guns are silent...the skies no longer rain death...the seas bear only commerce...men everywhere walk upright in the ...read more
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13. Critiquing The Critic
Contributed on Aug 8, 2012
Speaking in condemning, critical ways seems to be second nature to us. However, James gives us reason and instruction to prevent this sinful behavior.
1. “No New Taxes” Illustration Who said, “Read my lips. No new taxes”? "Read my lips: no new taxes" is the famous phrase spoken by then presidential candidate George H. W. Bush at the 1988 Republican National Convention as he accepted the nomination on August 18th. Written ...read more
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14. Close The Loophole!
Contributed on Oct 1, 2012
We should live such lives of integrity that we do not need to take oaths. Our speech should be real, true, and genuine.
1. In a Reader’s Digest survey of 2,624 readers in January 2004: • Switched price tags to get a lower price: 12% • Cheated on their tax return: 17% • Misstated facts on a resume/job application: 18% • Lied to their spouse about their relationship with another ...read more
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15. Practical Prayer Pointers
Contributed on Oct 11, 2012
"James with the Camel's Knees" gives us a crucial, practical lesson on prayer. He gives us technique and an example.
1. Salesman and Prayer The story is told of a man who went and made a sales presentation to the leadership of a church. When the presentation was over, one of the men in leadership when into the auditorium, knelt down and after a minute of silent prayer, returned and announced in a solemn tone, ...read more
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16. The Buddy System
Contributed on Oct 16, 2012
There is a community aspect to our spiritual life as well as individual responsibilities. As fellow believers we have obligations to one another. James reminds us of that aspect of care.
1. A Contrast Six humans trapped by happenstance in bleak and bitter cold, each one possessed a stick of wood, or so the story goes. Their dying fire in need of logs, the first man held his back, For on the faces around the fire he noticed one was a man whom he considered an enemy. The next man ...read more