Living the Christian Life
There is Coming a Day
James 5:1-12
We have heard for many, many years about the coming of the Lord. We have heard that it could be today, tomorrow, or sometime down the road. I believe that we all have heard this fact, but few in the world today, really expect Jesus to return in their lifetime. Regardless of God’s time table, which I believe to really be short, remember a day to Lord is like a thousand years, we all must have our lives in order to meet the coming Messiah. We do want to be ready to meet Him in the sky, with a clean, spotless life. We look now at the fist twelve verses of the fifth chapter, noticing the anxious nature of James’ speech to the people. Jesus is coming again – are you ready for that day to come?
TEXT
I. Riches and Possessions on Earth Do NOT Matter
a. You can’t take it with you!
b. Remember back to James 1, when he is talking about judgmental nature of people – looking at the rich and down grading the poor. Notice his tone in these opening verses. He is telling people with vigor that possessions do not matter. It doesn’t matter how much money you have, how many pearls and diamonds are in your possession. It doesn’t matter how big or small your home is – what matters is what is in your heart.
c. Matthew 19:23-24
i. Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of Heaven. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God.
d. Possessions do not matter – you are neither rich nor poor monetarily in the eyes of God. You are you. He created you, but you have to choose to follow God, instead of the possessions of the world. It’s up to you, not up to Him.
II. He is on His Way
a. The coming of the Lord is drawing nigh!
i. Grudge not against anyone
ii. Be an example of patience, suffering
1. Remember Job, his suffering
2. Remember Christ, his suffering
3. Remember Paul, his suffering
4. Remember our forefathers who fought for religious freedom
5. Remember our departed loved ones of our families who loved the Lord.
b. Through all of these things, remember that Jesus is Coming Again
i. Those who are saved, a great day awaits
ii. Those who have not given their life to Christ – a day of terror awaits.
c. This passage tells us to be vigilant
i. Be tough – be strong in the strength of the Lord
ii. Remain strong in His word, in His teachings, not the teachings of the world, but in God
Andrae’ Crouch penned these words:
Soon and very soon we are going to see the King
Soon and very soon we are going to see the King
Soon and very soon we are going to see the King
Hallelujah, Hallejuah, we’re going to see the King
No More crying there and No more dying there!
Oh and what a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see.
We can go on and on and sing and praise God for Heaven, but the reality is this today, there will be those who are not going to be ready, when that day comes
III. Are you ready?
a. It is very simple this morning. Have you trusted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Have you made a commitment to follow Him? Have you followed Him in baptism? Are you living for Him right now as a full fledged member of the family of God?
b. There’s no excuse to walking out of this building this morning without giving your all to Christ. The only excuse is our stinking pride and our stinking thinking that someone is watching you and will say something.
c. Forget that person – the only person who is important is God. He cares for you and wants you to become part of His family today – why not?
There’s a great day coming, a great day coming. There’s a great day coming by and by
When the saints and the sinners shall parted right and left – are you ready for that day to come.
Are you ready, are you ready, are you ready for the judgment day
Are you ready, are you ready, for the judgment day
Jesus is tenderly calling today – just give Him your all, just as you are.
