Seeing Your Justification Clearly

A guest sermon from Milton Vincent, Pastor-Teacher at Cornerstone Fellowship Baptist Church, and author of A Gospel Primer.

Faith That Works

Lord willing, tomorrow we will finish the most famous and controversial passage in James in which he describes the nature of true saving faith.
Last time we looked at 2:14-20 in which James described a dead faith which professes to believe true doctrine but produces no works of love.
James concludes that such faith is not real and cannot save.
While some have been confused or upset by what James says here, his teaching that true faith produces a changed life is affirmed by other New Testament authors and by our Lord Jesus (Eph. 2:8-10 Gal. 5:6,22-23 Mt. 7:16-18 etc.).

In this week’s text, James gives two examples of a living faith that works. First he chooses our father Abraham whose saving faith produced a remarkable work of obedience when he was willing to offer up his son Isaac. James’ second example of a working faith is surprising. Rather than choosing Moses, Daniel, Elijah or another of the famous Israelite men of faith, James picks Rahab the Canaanite woman who had been a prostitute. Her trust in the God of Israel also produces significant works of faith.

Please read James 2:14-26 before coming to church. I also encourage you to read Genesis 15:1-6 22:1-14 and Joshua 2:1-13.

Do you see the connection between our text and Fathers’ Day?

What Brings Us Together? Keeping the Building Strong.

Tomorrow I will be preaching a topical message on how to keep our fellowship spiritually healthy and growing. I am often encouraged by the regular display of loving interaction that occurs within our body. I am hoping to bring additional encouragement tomorrow that re-emphasizes for all of us just how important it is to be about certain basics with regard to our relationships with one another. Three main points will be discussed: 1. We are a Community of the TRUTH. 2. We are a Community of SHARED SORROWS. 3. We are a Community of SHARED PROMISES.

Please pray that all would find great encouragement in our common faith as well as renewed zeal to bring blessing to others. Pray as well that the lost among us would find clear reasons to believe in the power of a life-changing Gospel that produces such encouragement and efforts.

Worthless Workless Faith

Tomorrow morning’s sermon will be from the most controversial passage in James in which he insists that true faith will produce works.
James’ teaching challenges many today who give themselves the label, “Christian”, but show no evidence of being disciples of the Lord Jesus.

Some have thought that James contradicts Paul. We will see, however, that James and Paul are in harmony with each defending the truth against a different error.
James’ teaching is also in harmony with the teaching of Jesus and other New Testament authors.

Thirsting for God

Psalms 42-43 go together. They are Psalms of lament with an almost identical refrain. 42:5 42:11 43:5.
These Psalms are of special value to believers who feel overwhelmed or struggle with depression.
We can relate to the Psalmist as he describes his own spiritual drought, longing for God to satisfy his thirst.
He also describes his situation as being overwhelmed by the floods of sorrow.
Yet within this Psalm we find the answer to our despair. “Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him.”

Martyn Lloyd-Jones used Psalm 42 in the first chapter of his famous book, “Spiritual Depression”.
He tells us that a key to overcoming depression is to stop listening to ourselves (complaining and worrying) and to start talking to ourselves (about the hope we have in God).

Please read Psalms 42-43 before coming to church.

God Speaks Through His Word

This Sunday I plan to complete our consideration of Psalm 19.
Last week we looked at the first six verses which declares how God speaks to all humanity through His creation (General Revelation)
This week we will consider the Lord’s speech to His people through the Scriptures (Special Revelation) in verses 7-11, and then our response in verses 12-15.

As you read over Psalm 19 before coming to church consider the following questions:

Do you notice that the first six verses use the name God and verse seven and following use LORD. Why do you think that this is?
How are general revelation similar to each other? How are they different?
Where can you see the gospel in this Psalm?