THE ROYAL LAW, continued
Introduction
EQUALITY IS COMPATIBLE WITH CHRIST
"My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons" (Jas. 2:1). It is quite clear from the previous words that these brethren where facing a real problem within the early church. Equality was something that was not only misunderstood, but seemed to be completely void in their lives. Whether it was cultural or social, respect of persons seemed to be a mainstay in society. However, this was unacceptable to the New Testament Christianity.
This truth be founded upon the fact that Christ did not respect persons. Even our Lord's enemies admitted, "Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men" (Mt. 22:16). No, the focus of our Lord was far from what you and I tend to center our attention upon. He was not concerned about the outward appearance of a person, their ethnic background (Gal 3:28), nor any other superficial thing that would carry more weight than the fruit of the spirit manifested in their lives (Gal. 5:22-23). Rather, our Lord looked upon the heart of man knowing full well that out of the heart are "…the issues of life" (Pro. 4:23). It is through the heart that man acts and behaves. Thus, we can see why our Lord was greatly impressed by the widow who gave all that she had (Mk. 12:41-44) as compared to the Pharisee who boasted of his offering (Luke 18:9-14). Why was Barnabas so open to accept the conversion of Saul of Tarsus when the other disciples would not? Was it not because he did not allow his heart to follow the pattern of this world, and instead followed the blueprint of Christ, showing no respect of persons (Acts 9:26-28)?
Too often, we become Satan's prototype of prejudice. We are prone to judge, discriminate, or show partiality toward others solely on the basis of a person's past, dress, skin color, or any other prejudice process. How can we show Christ living in us (Gal. 2:20) and be holy as He is Holy (1 Pet. 1:14-16) when we show respect of persons? James commands us and all who would be children of God not to hold on to such a mentality for Christ, our example, did not.
EQUALITY REFLECTS CONSIDERATION TO WHOM GOD CONSIDERS PRECIOUS
After showing how equality was compatible with Christ, James turns his attention to how partiality is disrespectful to not only God, but toward those whom God considers precious. The reason for this dishonor is two-fold. First, it's disgraceful because it creates a divided allegiance within the hearts of brethren. "Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts" (Jas. 2:4; emphasis mine)? James makes it clear that these brethren had become double-minded (Jas. 1:8-11) and were trying to serve two masters. However, Matthew reveals, through inspiration, that "no man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon" (Mt. 6:24). To hold to such a mindset is not only unstable, but those who differentiate between the rich and the poor so do with a corrupt mind for they serve only themselves (Rom. 16:17-18).
Secondly, this respect of persons is scandalous because it does not take into consideration that God chooses those rich in faith to be heirs of the kingdom of God (Jas. 2:5; Acts 10:34-35). Shelly points out how this partiality came about.
"In the first-century churches composed of poor and humble people, there was a temptation to regard the conversion of a rich or otherwise prominent man as a special event and to make a fuss over him. But there can be no such distinction of wealth, rank, race, or prestige in the church. Neither can there be discrimination in reverse where a wealthy or influential man in the community is treated contemptuously and put in his place by the church."
From this we can see the reason why James says, "Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him" (Jas. 2:5)? James was simply reminding the brethren that the poor are precious in the sight of God and are not to be treated with partiality or discrimination. Why? Because these souls were important to God (Jn. 3:16; Luke 4:16-18) and they had access to every privilege which belongs to any child of God (Rom 8:16-17).
There is one place and only one place where all men are totally equal. That place is in Christ Jesus, for we are told "there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" (Gal. 3:28, emphasis mine). Thus, one is able to see why James presents these brethren with such a harsh rebuke because some had "… despised the poor" (Jas 2:6), others were guilty of showing partiality to the very ones who had oppressed them and treated them wrongly. These acts were blasphemous to the giver of life (Jas. 2:6-7).
To be continued…
Allen Weakland
Sympathy
We express our sympathy to the family of Derek Michael Smith, 18 year old grandson of Richard and Barbara Smith. Derek was killed in a motorcycle accident. Funeral services were held on Monday, September 8th at the Compass Christian Church in Colleyville, TX.
Current Concerns
We are not aware of any concerns at this time.
Prayer List
Fran Arbuckle; Bill Butler ; Mildred Bell; Rocio Chacon; Mildred Heslip; Cecil Hext; I.B. Huff; LaVerne King; Clemente Martinez; Estella Morolez; Lily Munos; Jesse Ramos; Betty Reeves; Mable Riggs; Marilyn Upshaw; Delora Wood; Thomas Wood.
Shut-ins
Mary Dunn; Fay Gann; Cecil and Mildred Hext; Virgie Price; Charles Tucker.
Events
Watch In Search of the Lord's Way with Mack Lyon every Sunday morning at 7:30 am on CBS, channel 7. This week's topic will be entitled, "Much Talk About Character."
We will be hosting a Free Financial Seminar on the evenings of September 28th and 29th here at the Eisenhower Church of Christ. Steven Diggs of Antioch, TN will be speaking. This seminar will be open to the public. Make plans to attend and invite your family and friends. Times will be announced later.
The Lubbock Lectureship is set for October 12th through16th. The theme is The Law of Christ. It will be held at the Southside Church of Christ in Lubbock, TX. Make plans to attend if you are able. Allen Weakland will be one of the many wonderful speakers at this event. A flyer is posted on the News and Notes board in the east foyer.
The 6th and Jackson Church of Christ will be hosting Dr. Brad Harrub on September 28th, 29th, 30th and October 1st. You have been invited to "Discover the Truth." There is a flyer on the New and Notes bulletin board with full details.
You have been invited to the West Texas Worship at the Andrews Church of Christ in Andrews on Sunday, October 26th at 5:00 p.m. David Duncan from Memorial Church of Christ in Houston, TX will be speaking. More information is posted on the News and Notes board.
FYI
Steve Horton has resumed the Wednesday morning class in the annex at 10:30 a.m. He will continue his study on the book of Revelation. The potluck luncheons will still be held the last Wednesday of every month.
Eleven men have signed up, so now we just need one more man who is willing to do the recordings of the sermons upstairs in the balcony. If you are willing to help with this matter, please sign up on the list on the bulletin board in the east foyer. We will have training with handouts for each of you.
We are in need of someone to head up organizing the visitation program. If you are interested and able to do this, please contact one of the elders.
Odessa Christian School is in need of a computer teacher. If you are interested, contact Shona Wood.
The New Mexican Christian Children's Home will be here on Monday, September 15th. They have requested the following items: sugar, picante sauce and fruit juices. Monetary donations are also accepted.
Bible Quiz Question
We will be using questions from Nehemiah until November in order to help our study for the upcoming Bible search in Cleburne, TX. There will be more than one question to answer. Parents please try to help your children answer these questions at home.
This week's answers must be submitted by September 17th. (Read Nehemiah 2:17-20).
Question: 1) When did Nehemiah exhort the people to build? (2) Who opposed the work? (3) What false charges did these men make?
Office News
Our food coordinators for the month of September are Kellie Lane, Johna Straw, and Sonia Wood.
This week's pantry items are instant mashed potatoes, canned beans, and canned meats.
| September 14, 2008 | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
Announcements | Jeff Wesson | Jeff Wesson |
Song Leader | Ronnie Lane | John Carroll |
Sermon | Allen Weakland | Allen Weakland |
Opening Prayer | Jeff Wesson | Jeff Wesson |
Scripture | George Warren | John Wood |
Second Prayer | Johnny Warren | Halley Brookshire |
Closing Prayer | Charles Wood | Jack Wright |
|
||
West |
Richard Siler |
Ezekiel Martinez |
East |
Scot Straw |
Craig Wesson |
Other Responsibilities: Elder: Jeff Wesson ~ Deacon: Ronnie Lane ~ Pulpit: Bill Brown ~ Table: Bill Butler ~ Song Leaders: Ronnie Lane
Sunday AM
"Battle Stations"
(Philippians 1:27-30)
Sunday PM
"Power of the Gospel"
(Acts 26:18)
Our Records
Bible Class... 92
Morning Worship... 159
Evening Worship... 106
Wednesday... 110
Contribution $5,702.00