Have you ever seen Disney’s animated version of Robin Hood, where Robin Hood is a fox? In the movie, the evil Prince John and his sheriff abuse the poor woodland creatures, throwing them into prison when they couldn’t pay their taxes.
The oppression of the poor rabbits, turtles and other animals in that movie sets the scene for us to think about the book of James. Like that family of rabbits in tatters, the poor in the early church were crying out for justice because of their rich oppressors!
In James 5:1–6, James pronounces judgment on the rich to comfort the poor. The rich would be judged for their sins. This Sunday, we will rejoice as we see God’s heart for the oppressed and his anger towards their oppressors. Our God is just!
But, we’ll also do some heart-checking as we examine why the rich are judged. James wrote to predominantly poor Christians; but on Sunday at Cornerstone Bible Church, God’s Word will go out to the world’s rich. Not the richest… but rich compared to billions in the world today and billions throughout the history of the world!
There were rich among the churches to whom James wrote (as in James 1:10–13). When this Sunday's passage was read in those 1st century churches, I imagine the believing rich listened carefully while God’s judgment upon the godless rich was proclaimed.
In a country as affluent as the United States, we ought to listen carefully to why the rich will be judged. God’s people have an opportunity to please Him with the way we use the resources He’s entrusted to us!
Grace and peace,
Isaiah
Communion and Church Lunch. This Sunday, we’ll remember Jesus’ death in our place by partaking of the Lord’s Supper. We will also enjoy church lunch together.
Men’s Ministry. Saturday, July 23rd, at 7:30 a.m. Enjoy breakfast, fellowship and a challenge from God’s Word! Francis Orejudos will be speaking on practicing affirmation.
Backpack Drive for Foster Youth. If you would like to bless our local foster youth, please sign up here to donate items. This year we are aiming for 60 backpacks and supplies. Please RSVP to let the Yangs know if you can make it to the backpack stuffing day on July 23 from 11:00-2:00 at the Yang's house (pizza potluck lunch and swimming). RSVP here for the backpack stuffing day. Please contact Michelle Yang with questions.
Inviting the Neighborhood to VBS. After service on Sunday, July 24th, we will be going into the church neighborhood to invite neighbors to VBS... and have Gospel conversations, if the Lord allows! (Please bring your own lunch.)
Vacation Bible School. Sunday, July 31st to Wednesday, August 3rd, 6-9pm. Registration is open at our website. Please invite your friends! (For children Pre-K to 6th Grade this fall). Invitations will be available at the church this Sunday.
Cornerstone Bible Church Missions Conference! Saturday, August 20th, 8:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m. Our missionaries Joshua Lee and Marcus Denny will join Joshua Mack in preaching on the Great Commission. Save the date!
Bible Reading Project will resume on August 4th at 6 a.m.
We’ll discuss boxes 4–6 of Two Ways to Live, focusing on what stands out to us as essential; we’ll practice our Two Ways to Live presentations in pairs but in a more conversational way; and we’ll do some training on how to respond. (If you’re still working on your rote presentation, that’s fine too!)
Pebbles (Infant to Pre-K): 9 a.m. childcare will resume on Sunday, August 7th . Childcare will still be offered during the main service at 10:30 a.m.
Rock (K-6th): Children’s Ministry will meet on July 17th. There will be no Children’s Ministry on the 24th and 31st.
VBS Volunteer Meeting: On July 31st, there will be a volunteer meeting for everyone serving at VBS.
Order of Service
Welcome and Call to Worship
Singing
Announcements
Scripture Reading: James 5:1–11)
Pastoral Prayer
Preaching of God’s Word: “The Danger of Being Rich” – James 5:1–6)
Singing