"Living a Gospel Life" (Philippians 1:27-30)

Eastside Baptist ChurchPastor Cameron JungelsSunday AM, October 11, 2015
Philippians 1:27–30 (NIV)

Life Worthy of the Gospel

27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

"To Live Is Christ" (Philippians 1:18b-26)

Eastside Baptist ChurchPastor Cameron JungelsSunday AM, October 4, 2015
Philippians 1:18–26 (NIV)

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.  20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

"Salt and Light" (Matthew 5:13-16)

Eastside Baptist ChurchPastor Cameron JungelsSunday PM, September 27, 2015
Matthew 5:13–16 (NIV)

Salt and Light

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

"Advancing the Gospel" (Philippians 1:12-18a)

Eastside Baptist ChurchPastor Cameron JungelsSunday AM, September 27, 2015
Philippians 1:12–18 (NIV)

Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel

12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

"Blessed Are the Persecuted" (Matthew 5:10-12)

Eastside Baptist ChurchPastor Cameron JungelsSunday PM, September 20, 2015
Matthew 5:10–12 (NIV)

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

"A Prayer for Holiness" (Philippians 1:9-11)

Eastside Baptist ChurchPastor Cameron JungelsSunday AM, September 20, 2015
Philippians 1:9–11 (NIV)

9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

"Making Peace" (Matthew 5:9)

Eastside Baptist ChurchPastor Cameron JungelsSunday PM, September 13, 2015Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God.

"Gospel Partners" (Philippians 1:3-8)

Eastside Baptist ChurchPastor Cameron JungelsSunday AM, September 13, 2015
Philippians 1:3–8 (NIV)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

7 It is right for me to feel
this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I
am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in
God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

"God's Holy People" (Philippians 1:1-2)

"God's Holy People" (Philippians 1:1-2)Pastor Cameron JungelsEastside Baptist ChurchSunday AM, September 6, 2015Paul
and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God's holy people in
Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace
and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Philippians 1:1-2, NIV)We are slaves of the Lord Jesus Christ.We are God's Holy People.We are co-laborers together in the body of Christ.We have been abundantly blessed by our Heavenly Father.

“Pure in Heart” (Matthew 5:8)

“Pure in Heart” (Matthew 5:8)Pastor Cameron JungelsEastside Baptist ChurchSunday PM, August 23, 2015Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they will see God.1.    What is the heart?(Matt. 22:37, NIV) Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'(Philippians 4:7, NIV) And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.(Heb. 8:10, NIV) This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.The heart is what we truly are, regardless of what we reveal on the outside.2.    What is the normal condition of the heart?(Jer. 17:9, NIV) The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?(Matt. 15:19, NIV) For out of the heart come evil thoughts-- murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.The normal condition of our heart is anything but pure. Depravity is rooted in our hearts. Our thoughts, ambitions, decisions, desires, emotions are all affected by our corrupt sinful nature. 3.    How do we get a pure heart?The
answer is you must be given one from God himself. You do not have the
power to change your deceitful heart into a pure one. That must be given
by God himself. (Ezek. 36:25-26, NIV) I will sprinkle clean
water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your
impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and
put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and
give you a heart of flesh.(Jer. 31:33-34, NIV) "This is the
covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,"
declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on
their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No
longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, 'Know the
LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the
greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and
will remember their sins no more."(John 3:3-8, NIV) 3 Jesus
replied, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God
unless they are born again. " 4 "How can someone be born when they are
old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely they cannot enter a second time into
their mother's womb to be born!" 5 Jesus answered, "Very truly I tell
you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water
and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth
to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be
born again.' 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound,
but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is
with everyone born of the Spirit."(Titus 3:5-6, NIV) he saved
us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his
mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the
Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ
our Savior,4.    What is purity of heart?Purity in the biblical sense stands for moral cleanness. It is a heart that is characterized by conformity to God’s holy revealed will. It is purity in all areas of God's moral will.Purity of heart is not outward conformity to rules.  Purity stands for that which is untainted, undefiled, without mixture. We should have a single focus and a single mindedness toward God. (Matt. 6:24, NIV)  "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.(Jas. 4:8, NIV) Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.⦁    This is why it is only the pure in heart who will see God. The outwardly pure façade will not see God, but only the truly inwardly pure will see God. This beatitude of Jesus is most likely a reflection on the well-known psalm:(Psalm 24:3-6, NIV) 3 Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. 5 They will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God their Savior. 6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob.(Matt. 5:48, NIV) Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.5.    When will those who are pure in heart see God?In the present, we have a knowledge of God that the world does not have. We see the beauty of God in the face of Jesus Christ through the gospel. (2 Co. 4:4-6, NIV) 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ.But one day we will see him face to face. (Rev. 22:1-5, NIV) 1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.(1 John 3:2-3, NIV) 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

“The Prayer of Faith” (James 5:13–20)

“The Prayer of Faith” (James 5:13–20)Pastor Cameron JungelsEastside Baptist ChurchSunday AM, August 23, 2015          13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.  14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.  15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.  16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.  17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.  18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.            19 My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back,  20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. (James 5:13-20, NIV)1.    Christians should pray at all times in all circumstances (v. 13).2.    Christians should pray for one another in times of need (vv. 14–18).3.    Christians should confess our sins to one another (v. 16).4.    Christians should seek to restore wayward brothers and sisters (vv. 19–20).Main Idea: Christians should be known by their concern for one another in the faith through prayer, confession, and restoration.

“Giving and Receiving Mercy” (Matthew 5:7)

“Giving and Receiving Mercy” (Matthew 5:7)Cameron JungelsEastside Baptist ChurchSunday PM, August 16, 2015Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. (Matthew 5:7)1.    Our God Is Merciful and full of Compassion.5 Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD.  6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,  7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation."  (Exodus 34:5-7, NIV) 16  "But they, our ancestors, became arrogant and stiff-necked, and they did not obey your commands.  17 They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them, (Neh. 9:16-17, NIV) 15 But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. (Psalm 86:15, NIV)7 Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. (Isa. 55:7, NIV)For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. (Heb. 2:17, NIV)4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,  5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-- it is by grace you have been saved. (Eph. 2:4-5, NIV)3  Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,  5 who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.  (1 Pet. 1:3-5, NIV)2.    Christians are to reflect the character of our God by being merciful as he is.25  "If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not treat it like a business deal; charge no interest.  26 If you take your neighbor's cloak as a pledge, return it by sunset,  27 because that cloak is the only covering your neighbor has. What else can they sleep in? When they cry out to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.  (Exodus 22:25-27, NIV)For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. (Hos. 6:6, NIV)6 With what shall I come before the LORD and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?  7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?  8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Mic. 6:6-8, NIV)9 "This is what the LORD Almighty said: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.  10 Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.'  (Zech. 7:9-10, NIV)36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (Lk. 6:36, NIV)32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Eph. 4:32, NIV)13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:13, NIV)17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.  18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.  (James 3:17-18, NIV)3.    Mercy is a primary attribute of Christlikeness; a person who is not merciful cannot expect to receive mercy at the judgment.The merciful man does himself good, But the cruel man does himself harm. (Prov. 11:17, NASB)And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. (Matt. 6:12, NIV)14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Matt. 6:14-15, NIV)36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.  37  "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.  (Lk. 6:36-37, NIV)3 So watch yourselves. "If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.  4 Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying 'I repent,' you must forgive them." (Lk. 17:3-4, NIV)32 "Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to.  33 Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?'  34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.  35 "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart."   (Matt. 18:32-35, NIV)12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,  13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. (James 2:12-13, NIV)4.    The blessing of mercy and eternal life is promised to Christ’s followers who are merciful to others.Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. (Matt. 5:7)What are the areas in which we might display a lack of mercy?⦁    Impatient with the faults/mistakes/forgetfulness of others.⦁    Unwillingness to forgive the sins of others when they ask for forgiveness.⦁    A pride that looks down on those who in our eyes are not as good as we are.⦁    Not observant of the needs of others or an unwillingness to help when we see someone with a need.What are ways that we can show mercy?⦁    Remembering that all that we have is by grace and that we have been shown mercy.⦁    A humility that has a right estimation of ourselves and others as all being made in the image of God and all standing in need of God’s mercy.⦁    A willingness to forgive those who have wronged us and let it go without continuing to bring it up or hold it over them.⦁    A patience with the mistakes and imperfections of others.⦁    Being observant to the physical, financial, emotional, and spiritual needs of others.⦁    A willingness to actually help those in need.⦁    A non-judgmental spirit toward others, regardless of their social status.Main Idea: We need to remember how much mercy we have been shown. When we do, we will reflect the character of our merciful God and show mercy to others.

“The Rich and the Oppressed” (James 5:1–12)

“The Rich and the Oppressed” (James 5:1–12)Pastor Cameron JungelsEastside Baptist ChurchSunday AM, August 16, 2015
James 5:1–12 (NIV)

Warning to Rich Oppressors

5 Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.  6 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.

Patience in Suffering

7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

12 Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.
1.    Those who oppress others through their power and wealth will come to judgment in God’s time; so Christians should not seek their own revenge (1–6).a.    The unbelieving rich oppressors should lament because God’s judgment is soon coming (1).b.    Their trust in their vast wealth will not save them on the Day of Judgment (2–3a).c.    In fact, their wealth will be evidence against them on the Day of Judgment (3b).d.    The charges against them are read:i.    They are guilty of hoarding wealth, keeping it from others in need (3c).ii.    They are guilty of withholding the wages of their day laborers (4).iii.    They are guilty of living in selfish luxury (5).iv.    Their abuse of wealth has led to oppression, injustice, and even violence against the poor (6).e.    The solution for oppressed believers is not to seek to take vengeance… 2.    Instead, Christians should patiently endure oppression and suffering in hope of the Lord’s return when he will righteously judge (7–11).a.    Patiently endure oppression and suffering because the Lord is coming (7).b.    Patient endurance is not passive, but an active, faithful, obedient endurance in hope of Christ’s coming (8).c.     In the midst of suffering, we must not complain or criticize others (9).d.    We must speak the truth on behalf of God in the midst of suffering (10).e.    We must trust God’s sovereign hand and wait in hope for his mercy (11).3.    Christians should not seek to avoid oppression by making promises that they cannot keep (12).a.    Christians in oppressive situations might have been tempted to enter into oaths or promise agreements to incur debt, knowing that there was slim hope of paying it back.i.    Christians should not make promises that they know they can’t keep (12a).ii.    Christians should be characterized by complete integrity, including their words (12b).Main Idea: As believers, we need to patiently endure the mistreatment and oppression of unbelievers, confident that Jesus is coming again and will make everything right. In the meantime, let us be people of unfailing integrity and patient hopefulness.

“Humility before a Sovereign God” (James 4:13­–17)

“Humility before a Sovereign God” (James 4:13­–17)Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist Church/Sunday AM, August 9, 2015
James 4:13–17 (NIV)

Boasting About Tomorrow

13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.
1.    Planning for the future is necessary and wise and reflects the image of God in us.2.    Planning for the future should be done in humility, not in proud presumption.a.    Because our lives our short and full of uncertainty, and then they are soon gone (the frailty of our lives).b.    Because we don’t know or control the future; our Sovereign God does (the limits of our knowledge).Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. (Prov. 27:1, NIV)We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. (Prov. 16:9, NLT)c.    Because to plan in presumption is to take for granted God’s good providence.3.    While humbly planning for the future that is in God’s hands, we should seize every opportunity to do good in the present.a.    Do good today, because you don’t know what tomorrow holds.b.    Do good today, because you may not have a tomorrow.c.    Do good today, because to put it off for another day is to proudly presume on the future that you do not control.Main Idea: Remembering that our God is ultimately sovereign, we should humbly plan for the future while at the same time making the most of every opportunity today.

“Friends of God and Each Other” (James 4:1–12)

“Friends of God and Each Other” (James 4:1–12)Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist Church/Sunday AM/August 2, 2015
James 4:1–12 (NIV)

Submit Yourselves to God

4 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:

“God opposes the proud

but shows favor to the humble.” 

7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

11 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?
1.    Our own selfish desires are often the culprit of broken relationships and unanswered prayers (vv. 1–3).2.    Our own selfish desires display a friendship with the world that is opposed to our friendship with God (vv. 4–6).3.    Our own selfish desires are displayed in our hurtful speech and judgmental attitudes toward others (vv. 11–12).4.    The solution to our broken relationships, hurtful speech, judgmental attitudes, and worldliness is humble repentance that draws us near to God (vv. 7–10).Main Idea: Humility makes us friends of God and each other.⦁    The humility of repentance draws us near to God in friendship⦁    The humility of selfless deference draws us near to others in friendship.

“Heavenly Wisdom” (James 3:13–18)

“Heavenly Wisdom” (James 3:13–18)Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist Church/Sunday AM, July 26, 2015James 3:13–18 (NIV) Two Kinds of Wisdom        13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.        17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. 1.    Wisdom is displayed in one’s life and conduct (13).2.    Christians should reject this world’s “wisdom” (14–16).3.    Christians should embrace heavenly wisdom (17–18).Main Idea: True, heavenly wisdom is displayed in real life in our good deeds, peace, humility, and love.

"Watching Our Words" (James 3:1-12)

“Watching Our Words” (James 3:1–12)Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist Church/Sunday AM, July 19, 2015
James 3:1–12 (NIV)

Taming the Tongue

3 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
 1.    Our words are incredibly powerful, so teachers should pay special care to what they say (1–2a).2.    Our words are powerful and can be used for good purposes (2b–5a).3.    Our words are powerful and can be terribly destructive (5b–8).4.    Our words often reveal our inconsistency and hypocrisy (9–12).Main Idea: All believers (and especially teachers) must watch their words carefully, because our words are incredibly powerful for good and bad—and they often reveal the hypocrisy of our hearts.

“A Living Faith” (James 2:14–26)

“A Living Faith” (James 2:14–26)Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist Church/Sunday AM, July 12, 2015
James 2:14–26 (NIV)

Faith and Deeds

14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”

Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,”  and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.

25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
1.    A professed faith is not necessarily a real faith.2.    A real faith is a living faith.3.    A living faith is a working faith.Main Idea: The faith that justifies and will vindicate us before God at the judgment is a real, living, working faith.

“The Epilogue” (Revelation 22:12-21)

“The Epilogue” (Revelation 22:12-21)Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist Church/Sunday PM, July 5, 2015
Revelation 22:12–21 (NIV)

12 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

14 “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. 15 Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. 19 And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.

20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.
1.    Christ, the Alpha and the Omega, will bring both salvation and judgment at his coming (vv. 12-16).a.    Salvation: The reward for Christ’s people at his coming (vv. 12-14)See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. (Isa. 40:10, NIV)b.    Judgment: The exclusion from paradise for the wicked (v. 15).2.    In light of Christ’s coming, we are provided with a joyous invitation and a solemn warning (vv. 17-19).a.    A joyous invitation: come and drink the water of life (v. 17)b.    A solemn warning: don’t tamper with Christ’s message, but obey it (vv. 18-19).Now, Israel, hear the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land the LORD, the God of your ancestors, is giving you.  2 Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you. (Deut. 4:1-2, NIV)20 The LORD will never be willing to forgive them; his wrath and zeal will burn against them. All the curses written in this book will fall on them, and the LORD will blot out their names from under heaven.  21 The LORD will single them out from all the tribes of Israel for disaster, according to all the curses of the covenant written in this Book of the Law. (Deut. 29:20-21, NIV)3.    John’s final benediction (vv. 20-21).a.    Jesus’ testimony: “I am coming soon”b.    John’s amen: “Come, Lord Jesus.”c.    John’s benediction: “The Lord’s grace to God’s people.”Main Idea: In light of Christ’s soon coming, may we accept his invitation to find eternal life and heed his warning so that we may be partakers of his grace.

“No Favoritism” (James 2:1-13)

“No Favoritism” (James 2:1-13)Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist Church/Sunday AM, July 5, 2015James 2:1–13 (NIV)

Favoritism Forbidden

2 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?

8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,”  you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11 For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,”  also said, “You shall not murder.”  If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.

12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Main Idea: As those who have received undeserved grace, favoritism is not compatible with true Christian faith.1.    Christians must not show favoritism (1-4).a.    The imperative: Don’t show favoritism (1).b.    The illustration: Favoring the rich over the poor by the consideration they receive in public worship gatherings (2-3).c.    The implication: Our actions toward different classes of people reveal our hearts and show us to be inconsistent and prejudicial (4).d.    Further illustrations: Prejudice/Favoritism based on any number of external indicators favored by the world:i.    Raceii.    Wealthiii.    Fame/Popularityiv.    Accomplishmentsv.    Appearance – good lookingvi.    Educational Attainmentvii.    Types of Employment2.    Favoritism is incompatible with the character of God’s grace (5-7).a.    It is in God’s gracious nature to show kindness to the poor and oppressed (5).b.    Showing favoritism to the rich is acting contrary to God’s grace (5).c.    Showing favoritism to the rich is acting contrary to their own interests, who were being mistreated by the rich (6-7).3.    Favoritism is out of harmony with the law of love (8-11).a.    All of our obligations toward other people can be summed up in the command to love our neighbor as ourselves (v. 8; Lev 19:18; Matt 22:39)"'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. (Lev. 19:18, NIV)"'Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly. (Lev. 19:15, NIV)36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"  37 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'  38 This is the first and greatest commandment.  39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'  40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matt. 22:36-40, NIV)b.    Breaking one aspect of the law of Christ, makes us a lawbreaker worthy of judgment (9-11)4.    Favoritism is inconsistent with the mercy that we have been shown (12-13).a.    Judgment comes to those who do not show mercy (12-13)b.    Mercy comes to those who show mercy (13).35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.  36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.  37 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.  (Lk. 6:35-37, NIV)Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. (Matt. 5:7, NIV)Main Idea: As those who have received undeserved grace, favoritism is not compatible with true Christian faith.