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Crosswords Community Church


We gathered together with joy and thanksgiving.
Pastor Don prayed, Dear Father God, as we come humbly before you this morning, we pray for your Holy Spirit to fill us and guide us to obediently do your will. May we treat all those we meet equally, as you have taught us, and let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. We pray that we will not show favoritism to some nor disregard others. We pray Dear Lord Jesus that we will develop compassion and love for all people and we pray that all churches will be open and welcoming to those who are seeking you, regardless of their differences. We pray all this in the name and authority of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Amen.
Today we studied James Chapter 2:1-8, and teachings about playing favorites.
The main point we studied today was, if you want God's favor, don't treat people with favoritism.
To show favoritism is incompatible with our faith.
Leviticus 19:15 states “Do not twist justice in legal matters by favoring the poor or being partial to the rich and powerful. Always judge people fairly.”
We learn in John 1:14: “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory the glory of the Father's one and only Son.”
Therefore, if we say that Jesus is our Lord, then we must live as he requires, showing no favoritism.
For James 2:1 says “My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?”
Remember, the Lord Jesus came as a humble servant.
And, lest we forget, James 2:2-3 reminds us not to grant special attention to people based on the appearance of earthly affluence for James 2:4 states “doesn't this discrimination show that your judgements are guided by evil motives?”
James 2:5-7 notes that wealth, in and of itself, does not deserve special treatment, nor receive favor in God's kingdom.
It is God who lifts up and God who takes down and, when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord & Savior, it is God's kingdom we choose to serve, not ours.
Therefore, do not show favoritism. For favoritism puts glory upon one man while debasing another and that is not God's way.
It is written, in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world”, truly meaning each and every one of us, and the kingdom of God is filled with people who will hear and respond to the call of God regardless of their earthly power or status.
(1 Corinthians 1:26-29)
In a Life Magazine photo essay, people from all walks of life, from the homeless to Fortune 500 executives were photographed. Every one of them was just wearing a towel wrapped around their bodies. Do you know what the conclusion was? They all looked the same!
Romans 15:7 says “Therefore accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.”
We have untold riches in eternity if we are faithful in our present life.
Jesus came to seek and save those who were lost irrespective of how rich or poor a person is perceived to be here on earth. Neither wealth, nor power, nor affluence, nor status is able to grant nor deny any person eternal life.
In Acts 10:34, Peter's reply is written, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism” therein revealing that the gospel of the Good News of Jesus Christ is for everyone. Amen.
The love of God makes no distinction from one man to another and if we have the Love of God within us, then we will not show favoritism either. James 2:8-9.
Furthermore, it is imperative that we become messengers of this Good News, not only looking out for our own interests, but taking an indiscriminate interest in others salvation too. (Philippians 2:4-5)
“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
May God richly bless these His words here this morning and may we willingly, obediently and lovingly serve Him by Leaving Others Valued Every day. Amen.
Post date: 2015-11-30 11:10:38
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