with Pastor Chuck Ryan

We Are All One In Christ Text: James 1:9-11 Thesis: “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.” - Matthew 3:26 1. In the Church there are to be NO social / class distinctions. A. Economic status has divided Christians throughout the ages. B. God’s Word teaches us, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male or female, for you are all one in Christ.” Galatians 3:28 2. James seeks to elevate the status of the poor. (Vs. 9) A. James declares a profound mystery when he states, “The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.” B. Our personal value is not determined by the size of our bank account. 1. Everyone is made in the image of God. * “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27 2. Our identity and worth is determined by God, not another person or even self. 3. Jesus reminds us of the widows offering. (Luke 21:1-4) 3. James reminds the rich of the true source of wealth. (Vs. 10) A. God is the one who is in control over life and death. 1. Wealth can produce a false sense of security. a. James is inferring in his statement of “low position”, to mean weak or powerless to prevent death even though you may have wealth. B. This is what Jesus was teaching in Luke 12:13-21 in the parable of the rich fool. 2. The wealthy can “take pride in their low position” if they realize they still need God. a. You can be wealthy and be an excellent Christian if it is surrendered to God. b. Whether rich or poor we all will die the first death and everyone needs the Salvation of Jesus Christ. * “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” See Hebrews 9:27-28