Introduction: Are you finding yourself impatient these days? More trials require more patience. Suffering is very difficult. Plus exercising patience while suffering is a challenge. But even in the light of Jesus Christ coming again, believers are encouraged to be patient.

This is more than a “friendly reminder”, this is a truth that transforms.

Check it out:

1. (James 5:7,8)

“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.”

The word “patience” is μακροθυμέω: (mak-roth-oo-meh’-o). It means to persevere, to be patient, to suffer long. Patience can mean forbearing. The word forbearing means to refrain from impulse. Remember a part of the fruit of the Spirit is “patience” (Gal 5:22,23).

Are you refraining from impulse responses? Do you hold your tongue? Can you control your thoughts? 

2. (James 5:11) 

The word “endure” in verse eleven (James 5:11) is ὑπομένω: hupomenó,(hoop-om-en’-o). It means to stay behind, or to await. It has to do with remaining behind, or standing our ground. It also can mean to bear up against.

Perseverance means not giving up….hanging in there!

Persevere my friend!!

Conclusion: These two virtues patience and perseverance are used by James in the context of the coming of Jesus Christ.

Are you becoming impatient? Will you persevere?

Introduction: Everyday we must make choices. When we are led by the Holy Spirit they will be good choices. However, when, for whatever reason, we make choices without God’s prompting or leading then we usually make bad decisions.

Our daily walk and talk will usually guide our choices.

Paul was led by the Spirit to emphasize to the Ephesian believers how to make good choices. 

1. Choosing Love & Forgiveness! (Eph 5:1,2) – “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.”

Following Jesus means loving and forgiving! Are we really following Jesus?

Check up time:

2. Following Jesus means choosing to walk away from bad choices! (Eph 5:3-4) – “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.”

This involves our walk and talk!

Remember. What comes out of our mouth comes from our heart according to Jesus (Mark 7:14-23).

3. Following Jesus means choosing to live in the light! (Eph 5:8-11) – “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.”

Light uncovers. Darkness covers up. Are we walking in the light that uncovers?

Conclusion: Since we make choices everyday, wise choices should be our desire. Make wise choices.

Introduction: Some things we can’t fix. We would love to be able to fix everything all the time. But it doesn’t work that way. What do you do when you can’t fix a problem?

Here are some suggestions:

1. Pray – commit it to the Lord! (1Pet 5:7) – “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

Are you in a situation right now that you can’t fix? What can you do?

Follow these guidelines:

2. Do what you can but not any more! (Job 23:10) – “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”

Job could pray, and he did. In fact, he prayed for his friends. His captivity was turned at that point. 

3. Recognize our limitations and trust! (Job 13:15) – “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.”

Our life is in the Lord’s hands! Sometimes when we can’t do anything else, we can trust Jesus!

Will you trust Him now?

Conclusion: Are you praying? Are you obeying? Are you trusting? When you can’t fix a problem then we must follow these principles.

Introduction: Have you ever heard,”Now that I am saved, I can do anything I want to”?

Is that true for a CHRISTian? Where do we go to find answers?

Paul writes, “Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it” (1Thess 5:22-24).

1. What does “abstain” mean? (1Thess 5:22) – “Abstain from all appearance of evil.”

The word “abstain” is ἀπέχω (ap-ekh’-o), which means to hold back, or to keep off, to be away, be distant.” In other words, we should not see how close we can come to sin, but instead stay as far away as possible.

How close do you get to sin? Are there some things that we need to distant ourselves from?

2. What does it mean to be sanctified? (1Thess 5:23) – “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body.”

The word “sanctified” is ἁγιάζω: (hag-ee-ad’-zo), which means to make holy, consecrate, or sanctify. This reminds believers that God is setting us apart. That is His will, to conform us to His image.

Where is our Lord setting you apart? Can you do the same things that you used to do before conversion?

3. What does the future hold…..unto the coming of Jesus Christ? (1Thess 5:24) – “…..unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.”

Here is the big picture. Jesus will come again. We will meet Him. 

Conclusion: Meanwhile, before He returns, we should be focused on turning from evil. But at the same time the Lord should be making us more like Him.

Introduction: There’s a war going on right now? Can you tell? Not only is there a Middle East War but there is also a middle heart war! You ask, “What do you mean?”

What is the war we are all experiencing?

1. A War within every heart! (1Tim 6:12) – “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”

Paul urges his son in the Lord, Timothy, as well as us today to keep fighting the “Good Fight of Faith”.

The battle ground is real.

• between good & evil

• between right & wrong

• between flesh & spirit 

• between saved & lost

2. A War with the real enemy! (2Cor 10:3-5) – “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”

We have an invisible enemy. Although he (the devil & his demons) are invisible, disembodied spirits, they are on the radar of Jesus Christ. 

Conclusion: In concluding, we have been called to be soldiers of the cross. Our weaponry is the Word of God! Our Commander and Chief is Jesus Christ. Our conquering army is the Holy Ghost. When we retire our home will be in heaven where the war will be over!

But until then, keep fighting the good fight of faith!!

Introduction: Do you remember? Don’t forget. Memorial Day is a time to thank God for those who died in fighting for our freedom. Regardless of the branch of military, we should pause at this time and remember their ultimate sacrifice.

1. Remember what Jesus said about greater love! (John 15:13) – “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

According to Jesus Christ, this is the greatest love. Are you willingly to lay down your life?

2. Remember the ultimate sacrifice Jesus gave for our sins! (1Pet 3:18) – “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.”

Christ’s sacrifice was unique in that He came to earth to live without sin and therefore be able to die for our sins. Aren’t you glad?

3. Remember we are called to sacrifice our life if need be! (Matt 10:38,39) – “And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.”

As a follower of Jesus Christ we are to take up a cross – our cross – death to self. Have you taken up your cross?

Conclusion: Just as certain salts have healing powers, Jesus Christ reveals that CHRISTians are (like) salt in a sin-sick society.

“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men” (Matthew 5:13).

Introduction: Do we really trust Jesus for everything? At least we say we do. But do we really? Trusting Jesus is not only a daily process but it is a lifestyle. Peter’s life and testimony reveals a life of trusting Jesus. That prompts these questions: Why trust? When to trust? Where to trust?

1. Why trust Jesus? (John 6:66-69) – “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Because of what he saw and experienced, Peter was confident that Jesus was His source for His needs. Have we crossed that bridge?

2. When to trust Jesus? (Matt 14:28-30) – “And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.”

Even in times of trouble, we can cry out to Jesus for help! He hears our cry. He answers according to His Will.

3. Where to trust Jesus? (John 21:18,19) – “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God.”

All through life we learn to trust in Jesus. But even when our time comes to pass over from this life into the life to come, we can trust Jesus.

Introduction: Do you want to know Jesus better? So you ask, “But how can I get to know Him better than I do right now?” Here are some guidelines to follow as the Lord leads you to get to know Him more intimately.

1. By Seeking Him! (Isa 55:6,7) – “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.”

It takes time to “seek” the Lord. But He makes it well worth it! Are you seeking Him? Wise men (women) still seek Him!

2. By Searching for Him! (Jer 29:13) – “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”

An elderly Christian man was asked by his grandson one day if he had ever seen God. The saintly man replied, “Son I’ve gotten to the point that everywhere I look I see God… I see the glory of His creation.”

3. By Serving Him! (John 12:26) – “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.”

There is a song that goes like this….”Everyday with Jesus is sweeter than the day before… everyday with Jesus, I love Him more and more.” Is that true with you?  Is that true with you?

4. By Surrendering to Him! (Acts 9:6) – “And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”

Saul who was known as Paul learned it is hard to kick against the picks. So instead, he surrendered to His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Have you?

5. By Sharing Him! (Acts 8:5) – “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.”

The world needs Hope! Jesus is our only Hope!! Give them Jesus.

Conclusion: If we want to get to know Jesus better, try seeking, searching, serving, surrendering, and sharing Him! It works.

Introduction: What is Unity? How does Maturity affect Unity? Where does Diversity connect with Unity and Maturity?
In the fourth chapter of Ephesians, the apostle Paul, led by the Holy Spirit, discusses these three absolutely necessary elements in every New Testament Church (Eph 4:13-16).

1. What is Unity built around? (Eph 4:13) – “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.”

The word Unity is ἑνότης, (hen-ot-ace’), which means oneness, or it can mean unanimity. Did you notice that the text says, “Till we all come into the unity of the FAITH”? So we may conclude that “the FAITH”, i.e. sound CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE is the key to Unity in the Church.

Furthermore, this DOCTRINE is built upon knowing Jesus Christ personally and His teachings. Did you look back in the text and see this point? Unity in the Church should be built around the Truth of God’s Word.

2. How does Maturity connect to Unity? (Eph 4:13-15) – “….. unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.”

The word “cunning” is κυβεία, (koo-bi’-ah) playing with dice, gaming, hence trickery, sleight. He goes on to say “craftiness” which can mean shrewdness. In other words, believers need to be aware of false teachers who twist the Scriptures to make it say what they want it to say instead of letting the text speak for itself as it is written historically, contextually, grammatically, and doctrinally. So a Christian who is growing in his or her FAITH in Christ by studying and applying the Truth of the Word of God should be becoming more like Jesus in order to better relate to other Christians.

3. Where does Diversity fit in the other two parts? (Eph 4:16) – “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”

While we have our differences and preferences, we should have some non -negotiables based on Truth instead of our feelings. Then we can exercise genuine Christian love.