Get Ready (22 of 24)
Series: How to do Life
Jerry Watts
James 5:7-12
In 1998 the four-time Governor of Alabama George Wallace died, but before his death he openly admitted that when he stood at the door of the University of Alabama and denied entrance to blacks, he was wrong. He apologized for that action and became something of a hero for repenting of his intolerance and recanting those views. I affirm that change of mind in him. Yet, when his great moment in history came, he was not prepared and he missed his great opportunity.
Charles Colson also repented of his role in the infamous Watergate affair. He is now involved in full-time Christian work, has authored books, and has been an advocate of prison reform. His conversion is truly a genuine one and I affirm that. But the tragedy will always be there that when his great opportunity in history came, he was not prepared, and he missed it.
The life of Jesus and now the Word of God speaks through time to help us prepare for eternity. In these 6 verses, we hear the echo of be ready, be prepared, and even be on the lookout for the Lord's return. Verse 7, 8, and 9 calls us to be ready for the Lord's coming because His coming is near and in fact, He (the judge) is standing at the door ready to return! Verse 12 is an imperative to get your heart and mouth right so you won't fall under God's judgment.
I submit we see four calls for us, if we are going to 'get ready.'
Be Patient (Vs 7) - Dr. Rick Lance spoke, in the Community Revival, about patience; even admitting he didn't have patience. He even told a story about his patience being tested in a doctor's office. Patience is such a needed characteristic that James mentions the word 3 times in two verses and then comes back to it in verses 10 and 11. The word stresses non-retaliation, hold your spirit in check (don't lose your temper), and implies the ability to keep you composure for a long period of time while under duress. It is a characteristic of G ...
Series: How to do Life
Jerry Watts
James 5:7-12
In 1998 the four-time Governor of Alabama George Wallace died, but before his death he openly admitted that when he stood at the door of the University of Alabama and denied entrance to blacks, he was wrong. He apologized for that action and became something of a hero for repenting of his intolerance and recanting those views. I affirm that change of mind in him. Yet, when his great moment in history came, he was not prepared and he missed his great opportunity.
Charles Colson also repented of his role in the infamous Watergate affair. He is now involved in full-time Christian work, has authored books, and has been an advocate of prison reform. His conversion is truly a genuine one and I affirm that. But the tragedy will always be there that when his great opportunity in history came, he was not prepared, and he missed it.
The life of Jesus and now the Word of God speaks through time to help us prepare for eternity. In these 6 verses, we hear the echo of be ready, be prepared, and even be on the lookout for the Lord's return. Verse 7, 8, and 9 calls us to be ready for the Lord's coming because His coming is near and in fact, He (the judge) is standing at the door ready to return! Verse 12 is an imperative to get your heart and mouth right so you won't fall under God's judgment.
I submit we see four calls for us, if we are going to 'get ready.'
Be Patient (Vs 7) - Dr. Rick Lance spoke, in the Community Revival, about patience; even admitting he didn't have patience. He even told a story about his patience being tested in a doctor's office. Patience is such a needed characteristic that James mentions the word 3 times in two verses and then comes back to it in verses 10 and 11. The word stresses non-retaliation, hold your spirit in check (don't lose your temper), and implies the ability to keep you composure for a long period of time while under duress. It is a characteristic of G ...
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