Eastside Baptist Church, Winfield, Alabama

“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 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?

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

Faith and Deeds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

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

“No Favoritism” (James 2:1-13)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.

“John and the Angel” (Revelation 22:6–11)Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist Church/Sunday PM, June 28, 2015Revelation 22:6–11 (NIV)  6 The angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.” 7 “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.” 8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. 9 But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!” 10 Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near. 11 Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.” 1.    An Affirmation of Truth (vv. 6, 8).6 The angel said to me, "These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place." (Rev. 22:6, NIV)8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things.  (Rev. 22:8, NIV)2.    A Blessing for Obedience (v. 7).7 "Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll." (Rev. 22:7, NIV)3.    A Partnership in Worship (vv. 8–9)."Don't do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!" (Rev. 22:9, NIV)4.    A Declaration of Imminence (v. 10).7 "Look, I am coming soon!  (Rev. 22:7, NIV)10 Then he told me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near. (Rev. 22:10, NIV)26 "The vision of the evenings and mornings that has been given you is true, but seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future." (Dan. 8:26, NIV)4 But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge." (Dan. 12:4, NIV)9 He replied, "Go your way, Daniel, because the words are rolled up and sealed until the time of the end. (Dan. 12:9, NIV)5.    A Warning to Pay Attention to the Message (v. 11).Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy." (Rev. 22:11, NIV)27 But when I speak to you, I will open your mouth and you shall say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says.' Whoever will listen let them listen, and whoever will refuse let them refuse; for they are a rebellious people.   (Ezek. 3:27, NIV)9 He replied, "Go your way, Daniel, because the words are rolled up and sealed until the time of the end.  10 Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand. (Dan. 12:9-10, NIV)Main Idea: We who worship God need to listen to and obey his Word of Truth, remain faithful to the end, and look forward in hope to our eternal blessing.

“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.

“Paradise Regained” (Revelation 22:1–5)Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist Church/Sunday PM, June 14, 2015
Revelation 22:1–5 (NIV)

22 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.    The New Jerusalem is a New Eden, a restoration of all that was lost in the Fall.2.    The New Jerusalem is characterized first and foremost by the unmediated presence of God and the Lamb, Jesus Christ. 3.    The New Jerusalem is a place of unending life, joy, peace, and sustenance (symbolized by the life giving water and the life giving fruit of the tree(s) of life).
“On that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half of it east to the Dead Sea and half of it west to the Mediterranean Sea, in summer and in winter. The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name.” (Zechariah 14:8–9, NIV)

“The man brought me back to the entrance to the temple, and I saw water coming out from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar. He then brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and the water was trickling from the south side. As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and then led me through water that was ankle-deep. He measured off another thousand cubits and led me through water that was knee-deep. He measured off another thousand and led me through water that was up to the waist. He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that no one could cross. He asked me, “Son of man, do you see this?” Then he led me back to the bank of the river. When I arrived there, I saw a great number of trees on each side of the river. He said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, where it enters the Dead Sea. When it empties into the sea, the salty water there becomes fresh. Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live. Fishermen will stand along the shore; from En Gedi to En Eglaim there will be places for spreading nets. The fish will be of many kinds—like the fish of the Mediterranean Sea. But the swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt. Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.”” (Ezekiel 47:1–12, NIV)
““In that day the mountains will drip new wine, and the hills will flow with milk; all the ravines of Judah will run with water. A fountain will flow out of the Lord’s house and will water the valley of acacias.” (Joel 3:18, NIV)
“A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters.” (Genesis 2:10, NIV)
4.    In the New Jerusalem, all of God’s people, from Israel and all the nations, who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb will reign with God forever as an eternal kingdom of priests.
“Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”” (Exodus 19:5–6, NIV)

“you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5, NIV)

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9–10, NIV)
“and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.” (Revelation 1:5–6, NIV)
“And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.”” (Revelation 5:9–10, NIV)
Main Idea: One day, God will dwell with his redeemed, victorious people in a New Edenic Paradise, and we will reign as kings and priests forever with him.

“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.

“The New Jerusalem, the Bride of the Lamb” (Revelation 21:9–27)Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist Church/Sunday PM, June 7, 2015Revelation 21:9–27 (NIV)

The New Jerusalem, the Bride of the Lamb

9 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. 11 It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. 12 It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. 13 There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south and three on the west. 14 The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

15 The angel who talked with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city, its gates and its walls. 16 The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia in length, and as wide and high as it is long. 17 The angel measured the wall using human measurement, and it was 144 cubits thick. 18 The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. 19 The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. 21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.

22 I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. 25 On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. 26 The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. 27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
1.    The New Jerusalem in the new earth is the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophetic expectation for the restoration of Israel and Jerusalem (cf. Ezek 40–48).2.    The New Jerusalem is the Bride of Christ the Lamb. 3.    God’s eternal dwelling place with his redeemed and glorified people will be a terrestrial one, not a heavenly one. 4.    All the people of God from both Old and New Covenants share a common essential unity and a common destiny as the New Jerusalem, the bride of the Lamb.5.    All the people of God, everyone whose name is in the book of life, will enjoy direct access to God’s glorious presence as the high priest did under the Old Covenant. Main Idea: Everyone redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ and recorded in his book of life may look forward with great anticipation to the time when we will enjoy direct and unbroken fellowship with our glorious God.

“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.

“Last Words” (1 Timothy 6:11–21) Cameron JungelsEastside Baptist ChurchWednesday PM, June 3, 2015
1 Timothy 6:6–21 (NIV)

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Final Charge to Timothy

11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14 to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.

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.

20 Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, 21 which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith.

Grace be with you all.
1.    The highest pursuit in life is God’s eternal kingdom and righteousness (vv. 11–16).a.    Pursuing God means running away from lesser pursuits and running after God’s righteousness (v. 11).b.    The pursuit of God’s righteousness involves spiritual warfare and diligent effort (vv. 11–12).c.    The faithful pursuit of God is a continual reaching forward to grasp eternal life, not resting on a one time confession of faith (v. 12). The genuineness of our past confession is measured by our enduring loyalty to it throughout our lives.d.    The pursuit of God is a Christlike blameless holiness until his return (vv. 13–14).e.    We pursue God and his righteousness because he is the highest and greatest being, who is worthy of all of our love, devotion, and worship (vv. 15–16).2.    Material wealth can be used for good in our pursuit of God’s kingdom, but it also presents many dangers (vv. 17–19).a.    The danger of pride, countered by humility (v. 17).b.    The danger of self-provision and false security, countered by trust in God’s provision (v. 17).c.    The danger of the closed fist, countered by good works and generosity (v. 18)d.    The danger of missing eternal life (v. 19), countered by seeking God’s kingdom first (v. 19; Matt 6:33).3.    The pursuit of God’s kingdom involves our utmost care and diligence for all of life (vv. 20–21).a.    We have a responsibility to guard the gospel, to which our faith is anchored (v. 20).b.    We must resist error, which seeks to undermine the gospel (v. 20).c.    We must be aware of the consequences of losing the gospel (v. 21).

“Making Everything New” (Revelation 21:1–8)Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist Church/Sunday PM, May 31, 2015
Revelation 21:1–8 (NIV)

A New Heaven and a New Earth

21 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”  for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’  or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

6 He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7 Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. 8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
1.    Heaven comes to earth (vv. 1–2).2.    God dwells with his people in joy (vv. 3–4).3.    The eternal, almighty God finishes his eternal plan by restoring all things (vv. 5–6).4.    God grants eternally life giving water and a glorious inheritance to those who overcome in faith to the end (vv. 6–7).5.    Only God’s people will inherit the new heaven and new earth; all others will receive their justly deserved eternal punishment (v. 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).

1 Timothy 6:1–10 (NIV)

All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. 2 Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves.

False Teachers and the Love of Money

These are the things you are to teach and insist on. 3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.