some thoughts on Sunday's message: 'An Unpopular Message'

(from Matt) 

Justin continued his Genuine sermon in the Book of James speaking on the text from Chapter 5 verse 7 to 11 about patience in suffering, which correctly was entitled the "Unpopular Message". 
It was correctly named this not because it's truth that no one wants to hear, it's a truth that must be heard. 
Often times we can easily praise the Lord on top of our hills, but when we are in the valleys we often time ask, why me? or why know? We can even go so far as to think, or say, HEY I'm a Christian we shouldn't have to suffer! We believe in Jesus, things should be offered up on a golden platter! 
Well, we all know this isn't the truth, but often times in our suffering do we truly look to God for answers? When cancer is diagnosed, when a friend dies too early in a car accident, when we miss a bill, or when we stub our toe who do we look too? At times it is easier said then done. Yes I prayed for healing, yes I gave that to the Lord, yes I find patience in my suffering. Did we? 
Let's look back at the text for what our Christian brothers and sisters were exposed to: James 5:10-11 Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider 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.
Wow! 
Think for a second other examples of suffering that was later brought to light after the fact. 
The people of Israel, brought out Egypt, 
Noah was mocked as he was building the Ark,
Daniel and the Lion's Den,
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, 
and of course Jesus Christ. 

Often times, at the time of these aforementioned folks & actions, they had faith during their suffering, but didn't know what the Lord was going to do(Jesus even prayed to have the burden taken away from him)?
Luke 22:39-43
Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives.
39Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. Reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." 41He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." 43An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

Having said all this, again the charge is to have patience and faith through the suffering for the Lord is full of compassion and mercy. Also keep in mind we have no idea how God will receive glory through it, which HE WILL! 

Weathy = Poor

(from Andy)

This week Justin touched on a sensitive subject for many people.  Money.  The money issue is a huge stumbling block.  Even in the best of times money issues are contentious, but in these sometimes bleak economic times money issues become even more sensitive. Justin challenged us to look at our hearts and move towards living a low cholesterol rich life.  One where we spend money on needs and concentrate the rest of our resources on giving to God and his people.

Serving and being faithful to God takes on a whole new meaning when we realize that he means our money as well.  Sometimes it is really hard to see the money I make as God's.  It seems like if I give to church, I am not going to have enough to live on.  If I barely have enough for me to live on how can God expect me to give him any?  Doesn't God want whats best for me?  These are valid questions, but as I was thinking about this subject I Corinthians 10:13 came to mind.

^"13No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
 
 God is not going to abandon us. He will not forget when we are faithful in living obedient lives. The temptation to live a high cholesterol rich life and hoard money is a very real and potent temptation.  But be encouraged, God will provide, He is faithful and He will hold you up. 

some thoughts on Sunday's message: 'Judgeless'

(from Eric)
Justin gave us some things to think about when we judge others... it put some specific things in my mind that I thought I would share...
Firstly, God is the only true judge... He is Holy and divine... no one should consider taking that responsibility... I think if we are judgmental, we are assuming God's holy and divine authority...
when you assume divine responsibility for evaluating the worth and value of another, you might as well say you are God... who are we to expose the motives of someone's heart? Or to say this person is not good enough, not worthy, to take a role that is not ours? Why don't we let God be God...
Secondly, judging is a control issue... if i push you, shame you or judge you, i am attempting to control you. In other words, I am saying 'what you are doing or how you are doing it isn't fitting the mold that is best for me, so you need to change.' These words are often manipulated by using 'Christian-ese' lingo as well... we need to understand that as much as we may try to control people by judging, people still have what is called 'free will'... so instead of trying to control by ways of judging, give them over to God... if we don't, we are not trusting that God can be the guiding light for others...
God, deliver me from being judgmental towards others.

feel free to download Sunday's sermon here

podcast shchmodcast!

You will now be able to download sermons on our new media page at www.jroadchurch.org!
or just click here.

Our 1st Annual Meeting...

...will be on Sunday, January 17 @ 6 p.m.

Here we will be voting on Elders and Deaconesses, highlighting the budget and going over other important items as they relate to the church! PLEASE plan on being there for this important day!!!

RSVP HERE

prayer walk/invitation hand-out!

This saturday, December 19 we are walking/driving through our church's new neighborhood praying over it and also inviting people to join us, specifically to our Christmas eve service! we will meet at the church at 2pm

WE HAVE A NEW HOME!!

14389 State Rd. is the address. We will be meeting there THIS SUNDAY at 11 a.m!!! spread the word. DIRECTIONS: from muskegon:

take 96 E, take the fruitport exit and turn right onto 3rd Ave, go through town, road curves left and turns into Apple Dr, turn right at 144th, go approx 1.5 miles and church will be on your left at the corner of 144th and State Rd.

This facility provides us with space for nursery and children's ministry! This is a perfect temporary solution for us as a church right now as this is a place we can call 'ours' and can keep our stuff set up in 24/7.. let's keep in mind that our church is not a 2x4 or a building... we are a body and let's plan to be used by God in great ways here!

If you have any questions feel free to email Justin or Eric:

justin@jroadchurch.org

eric@jroadchurch.org