During last Sunday's sermon Pastor Sam referred to James chapter 5. I pray that as we read through these verses today, we will benefit from James's instruction and encouragement. God bless you.
James 5:7-20
"Be patient then, brothers, until the Lord's coming.
"See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop! See how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains!
"In the same way, you, my brothers, be patient. Stand firm. Why? Because the Lord's coming is near.
"Don't grumble against each other, or you will be judged. The Judge stands at the door.
"Do you want an example of patience in the face of suffering? Look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We count as blessed those who have persevered. You know about Job's perseverance. You know what the Lord finally did for him. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
"Above all of this, don't swear. Not by heaven, not by earth, not by anything. Just let your word stand on its own. "Yes" means yes. "No" means no. Adding to that invites condemnation.
"If you're in trouble, pray. If you're happy, sing. If someone is sick, call for the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well. The Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned he will be forgiven.
"So, confess your sins to each other. Pray for each other so that you can be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and is effective.
"Elijah was a regular person, just like you and me. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain. It didn't rain on that land for three and a half years. After that he prayed again, and the rain came down, and the earth produced crops.
"My brothers, if someone wanders away from the truth and someone else brings him back, keep this in mind: Whoever turns sinners away from the error of sinning will save them from death, and will cover over a multitude of sins."
Remember the farmer. Be patient.
Remember Job. Persevere.
Remember Elijah. Pray.
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