“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.

“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.

“Putting the Word into Practice” (James 1:19–27)

“Putting the Word into Practice” (James 1:19–27)Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist Church/Sunday AM, June 28, 2015
James 1:19–27 (NIV)

Listening and Doing

19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
1.    Christians control their anger.2.    Christians conform their behavior to the Word of God.3.    Christians control their tongues.4.    Christians take compassion on those in need.5.    Christians cleanse themselves from the corrupting influences of the world.

“The Father Who Gives Good Gifts” (James 1:17­–18)

“The Father Who Gives Good Gifts” (James 1:17­–18)Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist Church/Sunday AM, June 21, 2015James 1:17–18 (NIV) 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. 1.    Our Heavenly Father Gives Good Gifts (v. 17).a.    God’s gifts may not always seem good from our limited perspective.9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!  10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.  11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.  (Heb. 12:9-11, NIV)b.    God’s gifts may not always be exactly what we ask for.9 "Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?  10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?  11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!  (Matt. 7:9-11, NIV)c.    But all of God’s gifts, including trials and difficulties that enter our lives, are good and perfect gifts that flow from his wisdom.28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. (Romans 8:28-29, NIV)2.    Our Heavenly Father is Faithful (v. 17)a.    God is not like the false deities worshiped by polythestic ancient cultures.i.    These gods were thought of as capricious and demanding, tumultuous and unpredictable.ii.    Our Father in Heaven is not tumultuous and unpredictable. He is steady and sure. iii.    He is fundamentally unchanging and faithful to his nature.He is faithful to his promises and faithful to his word.3.    Our Heavenly Father is Gracious (v. 18)a.    Our status as God’s children does not flow from us.b.    Our status as God’s children flows from God’s gracious choice.c.    Though we were unworthy, God chose to give us new birth through the gospel (and his regenerating Holy Spirit).d.    New birth always comes through the Word (and the Spirit).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." (John 3:8, NIV)For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. (1 Pet. 1:23, NIV)e.    We are now a part of the family of God.See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!  (1 John 3:1, NIV)4.    Our Heavenly Father Loves Us and Desires our Ultimate Good (v. 18).25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her  26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,  27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. (Eph. 5:25-27, NIV)28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. (Romans 8:28-29, NIV)Main Idea: We have a faithful, gracious, loving Heavenly Father who desires our ultimate good and gifts good gifts to his children.

“Trials and Temptations” (James 1:12­–18)

“Trials and Temptations” (James 1:12­–18)Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist Church/Sunday AM, June 14, 2015James 1:12–18 (NIV)        12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.        13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.        16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. 1.    Trials require faith inspired endurance, which leads to God’s blessing (v. 12).a.    Endurance in the midst of trials is an expression of joy (vv. 2–4)b.    Endurance in the midst of trials requires wisdom (v. 5)c.    Endurance in the midst of trials must be fueled by unwavering faith (vv. 6–8).d.    Endurance in the midst of trials is an expression of our love for God (v. 12).e.    Endurance in the midst of trials brings blessing in this life and in the life to come (v. 12).2.    Trials enter our lives within God’s providence, but God always intends those trials for our good, never as a temptation to sin (vv. 13–18).a.    Testing can become a temptation to sin, but this is never God’s intention or design.b.    God is holy and is completely set apart from sin.i.    He cannot be tempted with sin.ii.    He never tempts anyone to sin.c.    Trials become temptations when they come up against our own sinful desires.d.    The power of temptation is internal not external.e.    When temptation is acted upon it becomes sin, and sin leads to death.f.    God is a good God who gives good gifts to his children.i.    God is faithful and unchanging in his holy, righteous, loving character.ii.    Trials are a part of God’s good gifts and are never intended for evil—only for good to make us holy.iii.    God has given us new birth, by his grace through the gospel. His intention is to make us his own special, treasured possession, modeled after the holiness of Christ.Main Idea: Trials are providential opportunities for us to receive God’s blessings; he never intends them to serve as a temptation to sin. Therefore, we have a responsibility to respond to trials with faith, joy, love, and endurance, not giving any opportunity to our sinful, selfish desires to lead us to sin.

“Our True Net Worth” (James 1:9–11)

“Our True Net Worth” (James 1:9–11)Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist Church/Sunday AM, June 7, 2015James 1:9–11 (NIV) 9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business. 1.    Less money does not mean less status in the family of God (v. 9).52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.  53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. (Lk. 1:52-53, NIV) He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed. (Prov. 3:34, NIV)The lowly he sets on high, and those who mourn are lifted to safety. (Job 5:11, NIV)You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty. (Psalm 18:27, NIV)"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matt. 5:3, NIV)Looking at his disciples, he said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. (Lk. 6:20, NIV)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? (Jas. 2:5, NIV)23 This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches,  24 but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD. (Jer. 9:23-24, NIV)2.    More money does not equal more status in the family of God (vv. 10–11).23 This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches,  24 but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD. (Jer. 9:23-24, NIV)17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.  18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.  19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19, NIV)6 A voice says, "Cry out." And I said, "What shall I cry?" "All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field.  7 The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass.  8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever." (Isa. 40:6-8, NIV)15 The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field;  16 the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. (Psalm 103:15-16, NIV)16 Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases;  17 for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them.  (Psalm 49:16-17, NIV) Main Idea: Both the poor and the rich need to view themselves as God does, not as the world does. Our true status in life is not determined by how much is in our bank account.We need to view ourselves as God does, not as the world does.

“Wisdom from God” (James 1:5–8)

“Wisdom from God” (James 1:5–8)Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist Church/Sunday AM, May 31, 20155 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.  6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.  7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.  8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.  (James 1:5–8, NIV) 1.    We all lack wisdom; none of us have completely arrived (verse 5).2.    The only source of true wisdom is God, so we should ask Him in prayer (verse 5).a.    The All-wise Godb.    The Generous Godc.    The Gracious God 3.    Our prayer must be a single-minded, God-devoted prayer of faith, not a half-hearted seeking after the wisdom of God (verses 6–8).a.    We must believe that God can and will answer our prayer for wisdom.b.    We must have God and his wisdom as the supreme focus of our search, not the wisdom or pleasures of this world.4.    God may very well use trials to provide the wisdom we lack in order to make us complete in Christ (see verse 4).

“Joy in the Midst of Suffering” (James 1:1–4)

“Joy in the Midst of Suffering” (James 1:1–4)Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist Church/Sunday AM, May 24, 2015“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:1–4, NIV) 1.    The Reality of Trials (v. 2)a.    Trials come to believers.b.    Trials are both certain and uncertain. c.    Trials come in all shapes and sizes.d.    Trials just happen.e.    Trials are not outside the providential guidance of God.2.    The Response to Trials (v. 2).a.    The response of a believer to the trials and difficulties of this life is joy.3.    The Reason for Joy (vv. 3–4).a.    Trials test our faith. b.    Trials strengthen our faith by causing us to endure/persevere.c.    Our faith strengthened by endurance produces a complete, mature Christian character.Main Idea: We must respond to the difficulties of life with joy and endurance, because it brings Christian maturity.May God give us grace to respond to trials this way, knowing that God has our ultimate good in mind—and that ultimate good is that we be patterned after the character of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:28–29).

James 1:2–8 - Cameron Jungels - Wed PM, August 27, 2014

“Encountering Trials with Joy and
Wisdom” (James 1:2–8)
Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist/Wed PM/August 27, 2014 
2 Consider
it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because
you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let
perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not
lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask
God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to
you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt,
because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the
wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from
the Lord. (James 1:2–8, NIV) 
1.       We can face trials with joy,
because we know that they are used by God to move us toward spiritual
maturity (2–4). 
a.     
Perspective of Joy
b.     
Purpose
of Spiritual Maturity 
2.      In the midst of trials, we can call on
God in faith and he will give us the wisdom that we need (5­–8).
a.     
Our Need: We need wisdom in the midst of
trials, and all times of life as a believer of Christ in a pagan world.
b.     
God’s
Response: generosity and liberality.
c.      
Our
Attitude: Undoubting, single-minded faith.

John 10:1–30 - part 1 - Cameron Jungelsv - Sun AM August 10, 2014

“Jesus, the Good Shepherd” (John 10:1–30),
part 1
Cameron
Jungels/Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/August 10, 2014 
The Good Shepherd
and His Sheep 10 “Very truly I tell you Pharisees,
anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some
other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the
gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the
gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name
and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he
goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But
they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because
they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” 6 Jesus used this
figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling
them. 7 Therefore
Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All
who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not
listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me
will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The
thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have
life, and have it to the full. 11 “I
am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The
hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the
wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the
flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a
hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 “I
am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—15 just
as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the
sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I
must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one
flock and one shepherd. 17 The reason my Father loves me is
that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18 No one
takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay
it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my
Father.” 19 The
Jews who heard these words were again divided. 20 Many of them
said, “He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?” 21 But
others said, “These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a
demon open the eyes of the blind?”  Further
Conflict Over Jesus’ Claims
22 Then
came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and
Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24 The
Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in
suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus
answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my
Father’s name testify about me, 26 but you do not believe
because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I
know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and
they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My
Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them
out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”
Main Idea: Jesus is the good shepherd who cares for his sheep in this life and the
life to come.
1.       Jesus is the only shepherd of the sheep,
and there is no other way to God.  
2.      Jesus is a truthful shepherd who never
misleads or deceives his sheep.  
3.      Jesus is a loving shepherd who knows his
sheep, and they know him.
3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep
listen to his voice. He calls
his own sheep by name and leads them out. 
4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of
them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. (John 10:3-4, NIV)
14 "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my
sheep know me-- (John 10:14, NIV)
27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they
follow me. (John 10:27, NIV)
24 The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying,
"How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us
plainly."  25 Jesus
answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my
Father's name testify about me,  26
but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. (John 10:24-26, NIV)
4.      Jesus is a rescuing shepherd who saves
his sheep and gives them abundant life.
9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.
They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have
come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:9-10, NIV)
5.      Jesus is a sacrificial shepherd who
gives his life for his sheep.
11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays
down his life for the sheep. (John 10:11, NIV)
14 "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my
sheep know me--  15 just as
the Father knows me and I know the Father-- and I lay down my life for the sheep.
(John 10:14-15, NIV)
17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my
life-- only to take it up again.  18
No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority
to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from
my Father."  (John 10:17-18, NIV

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An expository teaching on James chapter 5 v1-6  presented by Seth Channell of Winfield Eastside Baptist Church located in Winfield, Alabama.

James Chapter 4 v13-17 Seth Channell 1-16-2011

An expository teaching on James chapter 4 v13-17  presented by Seth Channell of Winfield Eastside Baptist Church located in Winfield, Alabama.