PREPARING FOR WORSHIP

Call to Worship

Hebrews 10:24-25

All Creatures of Our God and King

Theme: Adoration

Why sing it? To lift our voices, recognizing the Creator and Sustainer of everything.

Your Ways (Isaiah 55)

Theme: Forgiveness, Wisdom

Why sing it? To admit that God’s ways are better than our own and sing, committing to follow His plan.

Scripture Reading

Isaiah 55:6-9

Holy is the Lord

Theme: Surrender

Why sing it? To admit our sins and confess our belief in God, thanking Him for his mercy and praying for Him to send us out for His glory

Holy Holy Holy

Theme: Confession

Why sing it? To confess what we believe about God and end our worship through singing by recognizing Him as Lord.

 

 

PREPARING FOR THE SERMON

June 2, 2024

James 5:1-11

Context:

            James addresses two separate groups of people in the current pericope. The first group entails those in need of repentance. The second group is composed of those who presumably have already come to be reconciled with God. James distances himself from the first group by calling them “you rich people.” The second group he calls brothers and sisters.

            Not only are the groups diametrically opposed, but the actions called for are opposite. Those who are right with God need only wait, but those living in rebellion to His ways need to repent.

The instruction is consistent with major themes in James relating to actions matching theology. Right thinking and right doing cannot be separated. Temporary success or happiness is not the truest picture of faithfulness. James builds upon his previous teaching.

           

Structure:

            The section divides into two paragraphs with the first containing a counter example to the positive condition and behavior of the second paragraph.

1-6 – weep and howl for your miseries (v 1)

7-11 – be patient; strengthen your hearts (v 8)

Theology:  temporal vs eternal, treasure, endurance

 

Some things to think about:

  • If you could have anything or do anything, what would you choose for your top three requests?
  • What has God “planted in the soil of your life” that you are waiting to see a harvest?