Just a quick reminder. Aldersgate UMC has an APP available for your Smart Phones. The following links are included: Past Sermons, Prayer Requests, Bulletins, Newsletters, Birthdays/Anniversaries, Photos, Directory, Online Giving, and much, much more. With the APP installed, you will also receive notifications to your phone of upcoming events and announcements.
Go to your APP Store and search for "Aldersgate umc - rock hill" to get your free copy.
Sermon: 10/9/2016Rev. Ben Herlong Luke 17: 11-19
In the understanding of how salvation is received, there is the constant pull between the emphasis of Paul’s “saved by grace” and James’ “saved by works.” Many have posited that these two apostles are at extreme differences in their theologies. Martin Luther, that great reformer who sought to correct a system of works righteousness without faith, was so repelled by the letter of James and its “saved by works” message that he called it the “epistle of straw.” But does it reflect the disparity that many claim exists between Paul and James? Paul writes in Galatians 2:16 that no one is justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus. “By works of the law no flesh shall be justified.” In appealing to these works of the law, Paul is speaking of the commandments, ceremonial and sacrificial laws; those things whereby all who live by them seek to approach God. These things were to be kept perfectly if they would be effective. To breach one would bring upon the perpetrator the accusation of all the laws. The law, therefore, showed the people their inability to be righteous in their own efforts. Even in the Old Testament “the just shall live by faith” rings from Abraham to the prophets.
James, on the other hand, does not speak of the works of the law except that which he refers to as the “royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” He refers to Abraham and his willingness to sacrifice Isac as a work by which Abraham was saved, and “Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him as righteousness.” James appeals to his belief and his obedience. Also, Abraham lived 400 years before the law, which Paul speaks of, was given. Abraham was not under the law of works as Paul refers to it. James speaks of the works of generosity. These works Paul also promoted as he said that we are God’s workmanship unto good works.
I see no contradictions between Paul and James. Let us have the faith that saves as we continue in the good works of loving our neighbor as ourselves and Christ above all.-- Ben
In the understanding of how salvation is received, there is the constant pull between the emphasis of Paul’s “saved by grace” and James’ “saved by works.” Many have posited that these two apostles are at extreme differences in their theologies. Martin Luther, that great reformer who sought to correct a system of works righteousness without faith, was so repelled by the letter of James and its “saved by works” message that he called it the “epistle of straw.” But does it reflect the disparity that many claim exists between Paul and James? Paul writes in Galatians 2:16 that no one is justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus. “By works of the law no flesh shall be justified.” In appealing to these works of the law, Paul is speaking of the commandments, ceremonial and sacrificial laws; those things whereby all who live by them seek to approach God. These things were to be kept perfectly if they would be effective. To breach one would bring upon the perpetrator the accusation of all the laws. The law, therefore, showed the people their inability to be righteous in their own efforts. Even in the Old Testament “the just shall live by faith” rings from Abraham to the prophets.
James, on the other hand, does not speak of the works of the law except that which he refers to as the “royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” He refers to Abraham and his willingness to sacrifice Isac as a work by which Abraham was saved, and “Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him as righteousness.” James appeals to his belief and his obedience. Also, Abraham lived 400 years before the law, which Paul speaks of, was given. Abraham was not under the law of works as Paul refers to it. James speaks of the works of generosity. These works Paul also promoted as he said that we are God’s workmanship unto good works.
I see no contradictions between Paul and James. Let us have the faith that saves as we continue in the good works of loving our neighbor as ourselves and Christ above all.-- Ben
Aldersgate is excited to announce that we will be hosting Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University! FPU is a 9-session workshop focused on teaching people how to attain true financial peace in their lives. Lessons include great information and coaching on how to make a budget, savings, how to get out of debt fast, the role of insurance, retirement and college planning, real estate, and giving! The class also dives deep into issues of dealing with relationships around money, the current culture and climate of spending, and what it means to be Godly with our money. The class is based on Biblical principles and common-sense and focuses on our behavior and mindset more than the actual techniques. Ramsey says that getting right with money is 20% math and 80% behavior. Dave Ramsey is an evangelical Christian who has helped millions of people with their financial situation. He has a nationally syndicated radio show and has written several best-selling books, such as the Total Money Make Over, The Complete Guide to Money, and the Legacy Journey. Financial Peace University has been taught for over 20 years and the average person who takes the class, pays off $5,300 of debt and saves $2,700 in just the first 90 days.
Aldersgate's FPU will begin on Sept 18th. Each interactive session will run every Sunday from 3PM-5PM and will conclude on Nov 13th. With shipping of the materials, the cost is about $100 per couple to attend and includes a life-time membership which allows you and your spouse to attend any FPU in the future, as many times as you want.
To register, or if you have any questions, please go to www.daveramsey.com/fpu/classes/1024701 or contact Wayne Maury.
Sermon: 9/4/2016Rev. Ben Herlong Hebrews 11:1-6
THE WORD AND POWER OF GOD BRING THE KINGDOM OF GOD It has been said that if you have the Word without the Power you dry up. If you have the Power without the Word you blow up. But if you have the Word and the Power you grow up. For many, Christianity is only cerebral, ever learning about the Word but never experiencing it. For others, experience is the proof of everything. “If it makes me feel good, it’s got to be true.” With one or the other, faith dies. With both, faith grows.
To the Sadducees Jesus said, “You are mistaken not knowing the Scriptures nor the power to God”. The Sadducees knew the Scripture academically but not experientially. They also failed to believe what they knew. There are many today who know the Bible but do not believe what it says. Jesus said that not one jot or tittle shall pass away without fulfillment. And all the promises of God are “Yes and Amen” in Christ.
We must ask ourselves if our lives in Christ reflect promises unfilled or promises experienced. Do our lives reflect the promise of Christ to give us life “and that abundantly”? Or do we slide by on a wing and a prayer? If we take the Bible seriously, to know and experience what it says, we will find ourselves growing in the Kingdom of God. It is not up to us to make the promises in the Scriptures alive for God’s sake. God wants to make the promises in the Scripture alive in our lives for our sake. The question is, will we truly seek first the Kingdom, and allow God to add all these things to us? With the Word and the Power, let us grow in the Kingdom. -- Ben