Pastor’s Page | June 19th, 2025
Sermon Prep (Read James 1:18-21)
If you come by my office, you will see that I have a large collection of action figures (not play dolls as one child so rudely told me…thus he was not allowed to play with them). All of these action figures are valuable, but I have certain ones that I prominently display and others that are just pushed to the back. How do I determine which ones get the prized window display treatment, and which ones get the back of the dark hole treatment? Easy, I pick favorites. It’s hard not to pick favorites. We look at things and determine which ones we like better and which ones we deem more valuable. This may work with toys, but James reminds us that this should not be how we see people.
In James 2:1-13, James is still discussing the impact of God’s truth being placed in your heart and then that truth is lived out, and one of the ways it is lived out is by how we treat people. Apparently, James dealt with one of the biggest temptations that we as a church face today: we are easily impressed by the things the world values rather than the things that God values. James was writing to a church that was economically depressed. This would make someone with resources stand out all the more.
As you read through this passage, think about how you would treat a rich person and a poor person who came to visit our church. Would you feel more impressed by the rich person and thus treat them special? Why? Think about how we treat people differently based on not only their income but by the way they look, their education level, or by their age. Also, notice how James classifies this type of favoritism: he calls it a sin. Have you thought of this type of behavior as a sin before?
Here are some verses to consider as you study this passage: Romans 2:9-11, Ephesians 6:9, Colossians 3:25, Leviticus 19:15, Exodus 23:1-3, 1 Timothy 5:21, Acts 10:34-35, Proverbs 28:21-28, 2 Chronicles 19:6-7, Genesis 37:2-5, and 1 Samuel 16:1-13.
Updates, Thoughts and More
Are you getting excited about Acton Celebrates America? I hope so. This is a wonderful outreach our church does for our community. We will not only be celebrating the greatness and freedom we have in this great nation of ours, but more importantly we will see the great freedom we have in Christ. Make sure you invite all your friends and family to come on July 1st at 7 pm.
As many of you know, my daughter Carrie is due to give birth to my first grandbaby in July. We can’t wait! To add to this joy, my other daughter Clarissa has given us permission to tell everyone that she also is pregnant. Her baby is due to arrive in February. We are extremely grateful and would covet your prayers for our girls.
Let’s get ready for VBS! Our VBS is scheduled for July 14-17 and will be headed up by Izzy, our director of Family Ministries. The theme is “True North” and we will be helping kids learn how God can guide them through their lives. You can sign up your kids and grandkids in the Narthex or by visiting our website or calling the church office.
What am I reading? I have been reading a book by Tim Chester called “Enjoying Jesus” and it is a good book but not the deepest. It is more like a series of sermons that he preached and then just put them into book form (hey wait…that might be an idea!). The other book I am reading is by Lee Stroble called “Supernatural”. It is formatted the same as his other books and is done well. I am halfway through, and I am just about to hit the section on angels and demons. Also, Jack Reacher is still trying to figure out
who is throwing the members of his old unit out of helicopters. Don’t worry, he will figure it out.
Do you think Oklahoma City will close out the series tonight against Indiana or do you think the Pacers will force a game 7? I personally think that it is going to a game 7 and OKC will eventually win. How confident am I? Well, I wouldn’t place any money on it.
What’s Going On This Week (06/22)
Sunday (06/22)
Worship - 9am, 10:30am
Monday (06/23)
Stitching Angels - 1:30pm
Church Council - 6:30pm
Tuesday (06/24)
Men’s Meeting - 7:30am
Wednesday (06/25)
Prayer Warriors - 9am
Sip and Share - 10am
Table Talk - 5pm
Youth and Kids - 6pm
Choir - 7pm
Saturday (06/28)
Father’s Day Luncheon - 11am
Joke of the Week
A New York family bought a ranch out West where they intended to raise cattle. Friends visited and asked if the ranch had a name. “Well,” said the would-be cattleman, “I wanted to name it the Bar-J. My wife favored Suzy-Q, one son like the Flying-W, and the other wanted the Lazy-Y. So we’re calling it the Bar-J-Suzy-Q-Flying-W-Lazy-Y.”
“But where are all the cattle?” the friend asked.
“None survived the branding.”
Quote of the Week
“[For Christians] the ground is level at the foot of the cross. This being so, it is absurd to be partial toward anyone. All should be treated equally - as being created in the image of God. Rich and poor should be accorded equal honor and cordiality. Discrimination or favoritism is spiritually irrational.”
~Kent Hughes
