Bro. David's Weekly Word
Bro. David's Weekly Word
February 18, 2016
From The Pastor's Heart:
When as the last time you were mistreated? Perhaps you were promised a raise you never got. Perhaps you were never paid for those extra hours you put in. Or perhaps you had a gentleman's agreement on a project and you did the work but the agreement was never fulfilled. You were promised one thing and got something else. And clearly ... you were wronged! Or perhaps you've been taken advantage of by a family member or a work associate. And again, you were wronged.
Well then, these next few messages are for you! Now not every message from God's Word is about you, but they are all for you! The Bible says that "all scripture is profitable." But let me say that if you've been wronged, then this message is not only for you, this message is about you. God has something He wants to say to you who have been wronged, and it's found in James 5.
Don't think what has happened to you was an isolated case or something new. It's been going on for thousands of years. In fact, it was taking place thirty years after the resurrection of Jesus among the saints to whom James wrote this book that bears his name.
They were being mistreated. They were being wronged by their employers. They were being taken advantage of in the workplace, not being compensated for the work they were doing. Now, I've told you that James is practical haven't I? What do you do when you've been wronged?
Take God's Word and turn with me to James 5 as we continue under our heading: CHRISTIANITY IN SHOELEATHER as James gives us some timeless truths that will help us do right when wronged.
That's what I want to start talking about in our time together: Doing right when you have been wronged.
James 5.7-12
7 "Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! 10 My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. 11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord--that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. 12 But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your "Yes" be "Yes," and your "No" "No" lest you fall into judgment."
Notice that verse 7 begins with the word "therefore." Whenever you come across the word "therefore" in the Bible you need to stop and see what it's there for! It's like the writer is saying to us, "Now, in light of what I just said ... do this or remember this or be this" and then he gives us some practical wisdom and advice.
Do you remember from last time what James had just finished talking about? Unused wealth! How those who had wealth were not paying the workers in the field for their labor. Those laboring saints were being mistreated.
They had worked fulfilling their agreement, yet were not being paid for it. Their wages were being withheld. In fact, we saw last time that the employers never intended to pay them for their work- not a nickel (or would that be a shekel?). Well either way, I think you get the point.
So what were they to do? Retaliate? Return evil for evil? Get even? Hold a grudge? Lose their temper? Go on strike? And, more importantly for us, what are we to do when wronged? And how do we do right when wronged? Well ... over the next few weeks we will see how to:
1. LOOK UPWARD AND BE CALM.
2. LOOK INWARD AND BE CLEAN.
3. LOOK BACKWARDS AND BE CHALLENGED.
You will not want to miss being in our study at church as many other topics are usually born out of our discussion on these topics. I will look for you Wednesday evening as we apply the Bible to our lives.
Bring a Friend Sunday:
On March 20th we have an excellent opportunity to get out and visit our Sunday School members who have not been coming! We have 4 weeks of visitation starting this Sunday night at 4 pm in the Multipurpose room. Please join us each week as we desire to reach folks for God's glory!
We also want everyone making phone calls and sending cards, text messages and such to folks who have not been here lately. If you have some lost friends that we can visit, please come and let us know. I am excited about what the Lord is doing here at APBC this spring and look forward to YOU getting involved! Our goal is 150 people in Bible Study on March 20th! Have a blessed week as you serve the Lord!
In Christ,
Christopher Dale
Kids' Kamp - June 13 - 16:
The deadline for Kids' Kamp enrollment is this coming Sunday, February 21st. We need to know soon if your 3-6 grader plans to attend. The cost is $100. Enrollment packets will be available in the lobby of the Worship Center. You must return your packet and a $20 non-refundable deposit to the office. Please call the office if you have any questions.
Upcoming Events at Aspen Park:
February 21 - Sunday School Visitation at 4:00 pm
February 21 - Women's Bible Study starts at 5:00 pm
February 28 - Sunday School Visitation at 4:00 pm
March 6 - Start of Annie Armstrong Season of Prayer for Home Missions
March 6 - Sunday School Visitation at 4:00 pm
March 13 - Sunday School Visitation at 4:00 pm
March 20 - Bring a Friend Day at Aspen Park and Palm Sunday
March 26 - Easter egg hunt at Indian Springs Apartment complex
March 27 - Easter celebration at Aspen Park with egg hunt immediately following the service
April 8-10 - Youth DNOW Weekend.
April 17 - Aspen Park Community Festival
April 23 - Women's Ministry conference at the church
Women's Ministry Bible Study:
This new study begins Sunday, February 21, 2016 at 5:00pm to 6:30pm.
Ladies, you won't want to miss this Bible Study. It applies to all women, regardless of age, stage of life or any other way we might categorize ourselves.
Books are $13 and will be available at the study. Scholarships are available and confidential. The cost of a book should never keep you away from a Bible study!
They will meet at the north end of the education building, close to the preschool area. Dates: February 21, February 28, March 6, March 20, April 3, April 10 & April 24
Word of the Week:
"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." - Psalm 46:10
Thank you for being such a loving and faithful people. I look forward to seeing each of you in Bible Study and Worship. Please plan on being here and invite friends and family to come with you.
Blessed to be your pastor,
Bro. David