Eastside Baptist Church, Winfield, Alabama

"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.

The Holiness of God - Chapter 5: "The Insanity of Luther"

The Holiness of God by R. C. Sproul“The Insanity of Luther” – Chapter FiveTroubled by the HolyDid Martin Luther have an oversensitive conscience or an overactive guilt complex?Or, was he perhaps more keenly aware of the holy justice of God?Do we have an accurate awareness of the holy justice of God?What do you think of Luther’s “Great Transgression,” that to fail to love God with all of our hearts is the ultimate Transgression, because it is the failure to do the Greatest Commandment?Without Christ and the grace of God, are we as sinful as Luther described?Does God grade on a curve?What about the good things that people do, even without grace?Was Luther’s overwhelming fear of the wrath of God good?From Fear to CourageLuther’s constant fear of the justice of God drove him to the Scriptures to find God’s grace.Luther’s discovery of the doctrine of justification by faith alone launched the Reformation and moved him from terrifying fear to confidence in God’s grace.Holiness and MercyLuther’s life and doctrine teaches us that the more we comprehend the holy justice of God, the greater the grace of God becomes to us.In Christ, God satisfied his holy justice and showed mercy to the guilty.

The New Covenant Meal (Luke 22; Jeremiah 31; Hebrews 10)

Luke 22:14–20 (NIV)

14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”

17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”

19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
Jeremiah 31:31–34 (NIV)

31 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord,

“when I will make a new covenant

with the people of Israel

and with the people of Judah.

32 It will not be like the covenant

I made with their ancestors

when I took them by the hand

to lead them out of Egypt,

because they broke my covenant,

though I was a husband to them,”

declares the Lord.

33 “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.

34 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.”
Hebrews 10:11–25 (NIV)

11 Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. 14 For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says:

16 “This is the covenant I will make with them

after that time, says the Lord.

I will put my laws in their hearts,

and I will write them on their minds.” 

17 Then he adds:

“Their sins and lawless acts

I will remember no more.” 

18 And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.


19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

The Holiness of God - chapter 4: "The Trauma of Holiness"

The Holiness of God by R. C. Sproul“The Trauma of Holiness” – Chapter FourJesus, the Holy OneAs God incarnate, Jesus Christ is fully holy as God is holy. In becoming man, Jesus made the transcendent holiness of God become immanent.Sinful people were then in the presence of the holy.Fear and HatredBeing in the presence of the truly holy can bring two responses due to our sin:Awareness of our sin in the presence of the holy causes fear.Our hypocritical holiness in the presence of the truly holy causes hatred.“Go away…”Disciples’ response to Jesus’ calming the storm (Mk. 4:41): “What kind of man is this?”Peter’s response to the miraculous catch of fish: “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man.” (Lk. 5:8)People’s response to Jesus’ casting demons out of a man and sending them into a herd of pigs: “all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear.” (Lk. 8:37)Hypocrites’ HatredHatred is the natural response when hypocritical righteousness is exposed by the truly holy.The Pharisees and Sadducees hated Jesus, because he exposed their hypocrisy.Darkness Hates LightLight has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. (John 3:19-20, NIV).Christ has called us to be light in the midst of this dark world (Matt 5:14–16).As we seek to live holy lives in obedience to Christ, the world will likely hate us as it hated the holy Christ.If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. (John 15:18-19, NIV)QuestionsIs your view of God’s holiness like Peter’s? Do you want to run from it?What is our natural response when our sin is exposed?What is our response when our sin or hypocrisy is rebuked?What is our response to the holiness of Christ as revealed in Scripture? Fear or Hatred?What should our response be to the hatred of the world as we seek to live holy lives as representatives of Christ?

“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.

The Holiness of God - chapter 3: "The Fearful Mystery"

The Holiness of God by R. C. Sproul"The Fearful Mystery" Chapter ThreeWhat is Holy?Difficult concept to defineMore than just ethical or moral puritySet apart from that which is commonConsecrated as special or dedicated for special useTranscendent, exaltedHoly=‘wholly other’Holy God – the One who has no superior or equalHoly ThingsGod is absolutely and independently holy.Other people or things derive their holiness from God’s consecrating them or it for his service.Things made holy by God are not for common use.The Defining AttributeHoliness equivalent to the deity or essence of GodHoliness not just another attribute on the list of God’s qualitiesHoliness governs God’s other attributes, e.g. “holy love”IdolatryWorshiping that which is created instead of worshiping the Creator is the essence of idolatry.When we consecrate what God has never consecrated, it is desecration and an act of idolatry.The Fearful MysteryHoliness as mysterious and indescribableHoliness as terrifyingHoliness as attractingHoliness as realization of our own creatureliness QuestionsWhat does it mean to fear God?How can we fear God and yet be drawn to worship and love Him?How should God’s holiness change the way that we worship?How should it change the way we live?

“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.

The Holiness of God - chapter 2: "Holy, Holy, Holy"

The Holiness of God by R. C. SproulHoly, Holy, Holy: Chapter Two          1In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple.  2 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.  3 And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."  4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.  5 "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty."            6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar.  7 With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for."  8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:1-8, NIV)The Lone ProphetThe OT prophet was a God-called emissary, sent to represent God to the people and call them to personal and corporate holiness.For most of Israel’s history, the prophet was despised, rejected, persecuted, and often killed.Isaiah the ManIsaiah, unlike most prophets, was of the nobility. He had access to the royal courts.Isaiah’s ministry spanned the reigns of four kings: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.Isaiah’s CallIsaiah was called to be a prophet in the year of King Uzziah’s death.Uzziah had been a good king, but his success and wealth led him to pride and presumption in his later years.Isaiah went to the temple to grieve the death of the king, but instead encountered the King of Kings.A Vision of the LordIsaiah was granted a vision, in which he saw the glory of the Lord in the temple.The Lord is envisioned as a great, exalted King-Priest, with the edges of his priestly robe filling the whole temple.SeraphimThe Seraphim, a type of angelic being, were attending the high exalted Lord.Their mission is to worship and serve the King and Creator of the universe.They cover their faces and feet in honor of their holy Creator.Holy, Holy, HolyThe Seraphim cry in unison: “Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”The three-fold repetition is for superlative emphasis.The only time that an attribute of God is given this emphasis.Trembling before a Holy GodThe inanimate materials of the temple respond in awe and fear before the presence of their Maker.God’s presence in theophany often results in similar accompanying signs and wonders in Scripture.“Woe to Me!”A “woe” is a pronouncement of doom, a curse on the enemies of God.Here, Isaiah the prophet pronounces a curse of judgment on himself.God’s holiness revealed to him the full measure of his sinfulness.Cleansed with FireGod is holy and gracious.In grace, he cleanses his soon-to-be prophet with a “burnt offering,” an atonement for his sin.God cleanses his lips, which represents Isaiah’s whole self, and thus purifies him.“Here am I. Send me!”God brings Isaiah to ruins by the awesome presence of his holiness.His grace atones for Isaiah’s sins and cleanses him.God makes him fit for service and mission and calls him as his prophet to his people.Questions:What do Uzziah’s final years in leprosy teach us about the holiness of God?What do the actions of the Seraphim reveal about God’s holiness?How is God’s holiness revealed to us?How does God’s holiness cause us to better see our own sinfulness?

“Hungry and Thirsty” (Matthew 5:6)

“Hungry and Thirsty” (Matthew 5:6)Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist Church/Sunday PM, August 9, 2015Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (Matt 5:6, NIV)1.    Hungry and Thirstya.    A metaphorical hunger and thirst – from the imagery of physical hunger/thirst.b.    A hunger/thirst that arises from deep deprivation.c.    An insatiable hunger/thirst that does not rest until it is filled/satisfied.d.    A perpetual hunger/thirst that is not content with a one-time filling but remains hungry/thirsty for our lives until glory when it is finally and fully filled.e.    A hunger/thirst that can only be satisfied by God alone.2.    Righteousnessa.    Not Social Justice in the Kingdomb.    Not Imputed Righteousness of Justificationc.    Rather, it is personal piety/sanctification in the life of the individual believer.d.    It is a desire of a person to live out their faith in a manner that accords with righteousness. Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matt 5:48, NIV)e.    It is a hunger for God himself3.    Being Filleda.    We cannot of our own effort fill ourselves.b.    God must fill us by his grace.c.    Not only are we justified (imputed with righteous standing) by grace; we are also sanctified (made holy and righteous in practice) by grace.d.    This filling with righteousness is a perpetual filling/growth in the here and now in this life.e.    It will ultimately be fulfilled when we are fully made righteous in glorification in the kingdom of God.4.    Junk Fooda.    Our biggest problem in remaining perpetually hungry and thirsty for the righteousness of God is the junk food of the pleasures of this world. b.    The more we feed on the junk food of this world’s sinful pleasures, the less we long for the truly soul-satisfying food of God and his righteousness.c.    If we are to develop and nurture a hunger for righteousness, then we need to at the same time declare a fast from the junk food of the world.Main Idea: Disciples of Jesus will never be satisfied with the junk food of this world’s pleasures; instead, they will be perpetually hungering and seeking to live a life of righteousness in the power of God’s grace. And one day that hunger will be fully and forever satisfied in the future kingdom of God.

“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.

The Holiness of God - chapter 1: "The Holy Grail"

The Holiness of God by R. C. SproulThe Holy Grail: Chapter OneEncountering the Holy⦁    Perceiving the presence of the Holy God in us and around us should move us to awe, reverence, and fear; but also peace and love.⦁    Encountering the Holy God changes us forever; it is impossible to encounter the holy and not be transformed.⦁    Examples from Scripture: Call of Samuel in 1 Samuel 3; call of Isaiah in Isaiah 6.Questions:⦁    When you think of God as holy, what comes to your mind?⦁    How important is the attribute of holiness to God’s nature?⦁    Have you ever experienced a time when you were overcome by the holiness of God?“In the Beginning”⦁    God is eternally existent and possesses fully independent life.⦁    Everything else that exists in this universe is here because of the divine fiat of God.⦁    All things are ultimately dependent on God for their being.Questions:⦁    Why is the Bible’s teaching on the creation of the world important for understanding God’s holiness?⦁    Are you attracted to the holiness of God?⦁    Is God’s holiness a fearful thing?“Hallowed Be Your Name”⦁    God IS Holy. Nothing can ever change or take away from this fundamental aspect of his being.⦁    We are called to pray for God’s name to be honored as holy.⦁    We are called to live holy lives that reflect the character of God.Questions:⦁    How can we shape our prayers and requests to honor God’s name as holy?⦁    What does it mean for you to be holy in the coming week?

“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.

“Meekness Is Not Weakness” (Matthew 5:5)

“Meekness Is Not Weakness” (Matthew 5:5)Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist Church/Sunday PM, July 26, 2015“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (Matt. 5:5, NIV)1.    Meekness Is Not…a.    Physical, emotional, or spiritual weaknessb.    An inability or unwillingness to help the oppressed or stand up for truth or justicec.    A passive or quiet personality2.    Meekness Is…    a.    Poor, Lowly, or oppressed in adverse circumstancesBut those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction. (Job 36:15, NIV)I will glory in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. (Psalm 34:2, NIV)when you, God, rose up to judge, to save all the afflicted of the land. (Psalm 76:9, NIV)Feet trample it down-- the feet of the oppressed, the footsteps of the poor. (Isa. 26:6, NIV)b.    Patient, gentle spirit willing to wait on God’s justice instead of seeking immediate vengeance 7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.  8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret-- it leads only to evil.  9 For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.  10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.  11 But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity. (Psalm 37:7-11, NIV)18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.  20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."  21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.   (Romans 12:18-21, NIV)c.    Willing, Humble and Gentle Disposition, willing to defer to others – the opposite of a proud, self-willed, assertive dispositionHe guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. (Psalm 25:9, NIV)The LORD sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground. (Psalm 147:6, NIV)3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.  4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. (1 Pet. 3:3-4, NIV)d.    A description of the character of Moses(Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.) (Num. 12:3, NIV)e.    A description of the character of our Savior, Jesus ChristRejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zech. 9:9, NIV, cf. Matt 21:5)Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matt. 11:29, NIV)3.    The Meek Will Be Rewarded With….a.    The Land Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. (Psalm 37:3, NIV)For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. (Psalm 37:9, NIV)But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity. (Psalm 37:11, NIV)those the LORD blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be destroyed. (Psalm 37:22, NIV)Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever. (Psalm 37:27, NIV)The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever. (Psalm 37:29, NIV)Hope in the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it. (Psalm 37:34, NIV)11 On that day you, Jerusalem, will not be put to shame for all the wrongs you have done to me, because I will remove from you your arrogant boasters. Never again will you be haughty on my holy hill.  12 But I will leave within you the meek and humble. The remnant of Israel will trust in the name of the LORD. (Zeph. 3:11-12, NIV)b.    Prophetically extended to refer to the whole world, including the final consummated kingdom of Christ in the new heavens/new earth (Rev 21:7)Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (Matt. 5:5, NIV)Those who are victorious will inherit all this [new heavens/earth], and I will be their God and they will be my children. (Rev. 21:7, NIV)It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. (Romans 4:13, NIV)Instead, they were longing for a better country-- a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. (Heb. 11:16, NIV)Main Idea: Meekness is not inherent weakness, but a willing disposition to humble oneself before others in a gentle spirit. It is an attribute of Christ, and his followers who exhibit it will share in the worldwide kingdom of their Savior.

“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.

“Sorrow Now, Comfort Later” (Matthew 5:4)

“Sorrow Now, Comfort Later” (Matthew 5:4)Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist Church/Sunday PM, July 19, 2015Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4 NIV)1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. (Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV)1.    Who are the blessed ones?2.    How are they blessed?3.    Why are they mourning?Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed. (Psalm 119:136 NIV)You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. (Psalm 51:16-17 NIV)Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:8-10 NIV)Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. (Luke 6:21 NIV) Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. (Luke 6:25 NIV)4.    How and when will they be comforted?

"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.

"Poor in Spirit" (Matthew 5:3)

“Poor in Spirit” (Matthew 5:3)Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist Church/Sunday PMMatthew 5:1–16 (NIV)

Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount

5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes


He said:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God.

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.

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.
1.    Who doesn’t want the good life?2.    Jesus’ path to the good life runs in the opposite direction of the world’s path.For this is what the high and exalted One says-- he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite. (Isaiah 57:15 NIV)Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?" declares the LORD. "These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word. (Isaiah 66:2 NIV)The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, (Isaiah 61:1 NIV)3.    Some aspects of the good life may come to us in the here and now.4.    The ultimate fulfillment of the good life is in the life to come.

“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.