August
3, 2008
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Action Required: Get Serious
The question James asked over 1900 years ago is still being asked today at every level of society: "What is the source of all the fights and conflicts among us?" James answered that question with another question: “Do you think they just happen?” Although James specifically had in mind the conflict that leads to battered congregations and split churches, I believe his message is for each of us today. James is telling us to get serious about our relationship with God and with others. Here is an example from history:
At the beginning of the 20th century, Argentina and Chile were coming close to armed conflict over an ongoing dispute over the location of the border. The bishop of Cuyo, monsignor Marcelino del Carmen Benavente, promised to erect a statue of Christ the Redeemer to remind the parties of Christ's message of peace. A large statue of Christ was erected high in the Andes on the border between Argentina and Chile. Called "Christ of the Andes," the statue symbolizes a pledge between the two countries that as long as the statue stands, there will be peace between Chile and Argentina. Shortly after the statue was erected, the Chileans began to protest that they had been slighted -- the statue had its back turned to Chile. Just when tempers were at their highest in Chile, a Chilean newspaperman saved the day. In an editorial that not only satisfied the people but made them laugh, he simply said, "The people of Argentina need more watching over than the Chileans.”
Today we study a passage from James where he calls us “spoiled children” and tells us to get serious, really serious. He says “Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.”
Worship folder
Sermon outline
Podcast
..........................................................................
NORTH RALEIGH CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE
9200 Strickland Road
Raleigh, North Carolina 27615
919.870.1141 Phone
919.870.1447 Fax
web@nrnazarene.org
___________________________________________________
Action Required: Get Serious
The question James asked over 1900 years ago is still being asked today at every level of society: "What is the source of all the fights and conflicts among us?" James answered that question with another question: “Do you think they just happen?” Although James specifically had in mind the conflict that leads to battered congregations and split churches, I believe his message is for each of us today. James is telling us to get serious about our relationship with God and with others. Here is an example from history:
At the beginning of the 20th century, Argentina and Chile were coming close to armed conflict over an ongoing dispute over the location of the border. The bishop of Cuyo, monsignor Marcelino del Carmen Benavente, promised to erect a statue of Christ the Redeemer to remind the parties of Christ's message of peace. A large statue of Christ was erected high in the Andes on the border between Argentina and Chile. Called "Christ of the Andes," the statue symbolizes a pledge between the two countries that as long as the statue stands, there will be peace between Chile and Argentina. Shortly after the statue was erected, the Chileans began to protest that they had been slighted -- the statue had its back turned to Chile. Just when tempers were at their highest in Chile, a Chilean newspaperman saved the day. In an editorial that not only satisfied the people but made them laugh, he simply said, "The people of Argentina need more watching over than the Chileans.”
Today we study a passage from James where he calls us “spoiled children” and tells us to get serious, really serious. He says “Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.”
Worship folder
Sermon outline
Podcast
..........................................................................
NORTH RALEIGH CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE
9200 Strickland Road
Raleigh, North Carolina 27615
919.870.1141 Phone
919.870.1447 Fax
web@nrnazarene.org