MARTIN LUTHOR WAS HESITANT TO CALL JAMES INSPIRED SCRIPTURE - CALLED IT AN EPISTLE OF STRAW

1. This section of the book has been misused, abused, perverted and ignored- but it is Scripture
2. All of God's Word is open to us, and no passage is of any private interpretation-study well
3. There is a sweet and precious message in this passage for us, for it is God's Word

But let's be careful how we handle it lest we twist scripture to our own hurt.-

I.- FAITH'S GREAT FELLOWSHIP IN PRAYER Jas 5:13-15

Whatever a Christian faces in this life, be it joy or sadness, Prayer offers sweet fellowship

A.- WHETHER WE HAVE A LIGHT OR A HEAVY HEART, OUR GREATEST RESORSE IS GOD'S FACE, SEEK HIM - v.13

1. We are subject to internal and external pressures that change our moods- God changes not!
2. Whatever your mood- if burdened- PRAY; if lighthearted and joyous- SING YOUR PRAYERS! Joy.
3. If you feel your prayers do not reach the ceiling forget feelings and pray by faith!

B.- IF THERE ARE ANY SICK AMONG YOU, LET HIM CALL THE ELDERS TO PRAY, & ANOINT WITH OIL v. 14

1. This does not teach that a man is a divine healer- note -not one but Elders, not Pastor -
2. I long felt this meant to take oil with you as medicine- but studying customs I changed my mind
3. The custom of that age was to anoint in oil- a bath in oil for the one just made well-not to be healed-

C.- THE PRAYER OF FAITH SHALL SAVE THE SICK, AND FORGIVE SINS * v. 15-

1. The Pentecostal quotes this for their healers, the Catholic quotes it for supreme unction-
2. If their thoughts be true-why not out of the goodness of their hearts empty hospitals?
3. But men are influenced by your prayers- gossip; do so & see converts

Our ignorance of these times and customs leave room for us to be led astray by men-

II.- FELLOWSHIP HELPS CARRY BURDENS James 5:16

With every sweetness there is danger, so do not take this passage lightly, this is serious!

A.- "CONFESS YOUR FAULTS ONE TO ANOTHER". BEWARE LEST THIS TURN AND CRUSH YOU!

1. There is apostacy in Buchmanism called Oxford Group, "Sin Sharing" Current Sensitivity Training.
2. This passage says "faults" not gross sins and secret hates- Do not add to another's temptation
3. We really need friends to whom we can confide- and discuss our faults-seek a spiritual one.

B.- AND PRAY ONE FOR ANOTHER THAT YE MAY BE HEALED THIS HAS TO DO WITH ATTITUDES & MOODS 16b

1. Saul in the OT had moods so bad they led to sickness- & many today- sinful moods-sick
2. Many a marriage is sick because the couple cannot really share moods & prayers - pray much.
3. A prayer partner can lift heavy loads from the human heart- not condemning, or gossiping-pray.

C.- THE EFFECTUAL FERVENT PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS MAN AVAILETH MUCH. - 16c Note the conditions-

1. I recommend The Power of Prayer by E.M. Bounds -& have ordered a number of copies -We need it
2. Let not a proud man think he will receive anything- but note the Righteous -Holy- !
3. When we think it is worthwhile we will seek Righteousness & Holiness- But we are too busy.

But these great and wonderful promises are with us - & the Church supplies the fellowship

III.- THE GLORY OF A SOULWINNER IN ACTION Jas 5:20

We see the "divine healing" and the supreme unction & get scared away from this pearl of great price

A. BRETHREN, IF ANY OF YOU DO ERR FROM THE TRUTH AND ONE CONVERT HIM - v. 19

1. So similar to the Lord's warning "Take heed that no man deceive you"- Matt 24:41
2. There are so many cross-currents of apostacy today- We need to help each other speak in love
3. Hebrews warned about those so close to the Lord that went back from Him- Stick close to Lord

B.- LET HIM KNOW THAT HE WHICH CONVERTETH A SINNER FROM THE ERROR OF HIS WAYS - James 5:20a

1. The error of the ways involves a wandering in sin, yet deliberately chosen; tricked to it
2. Converteth- means a change of direction- a wandering one is going away from the Lord,-change
3. We need the power of persuasion and the love to seek the erring one to be a soulwinner.-

C.- THE PERSON WHO DOES THIS SHALL SAVE A SOUL FROM DEATH, & HIDE A MULTITUDE OF SINS* 20b

1. The seriousness of error is in its missing heaven and splashing the soul into hell- DEATH.-
2. If you don't believe in Eternal Hell look at it today- Illus.-boy rips out own eyes!-
3. There are many around you that are sin-sick; needing, wanting rescue. Will you win them?

This is why we labor, for eternity's values in view- why do you labor? Or do you?

WE NEED PRAYER WARRIORS AND PERSONAL WORKERS TODAY, REVIVAL COMING, WILL WE BE READY??

1. Are you right with the Lord yourself? if not; confide in a personal worker,-not a buddy!
2. Will you help us prepare for revival by making a list of those you know who need Jesus! not verbal- but write down their names- addresses, and information about them-
3. Let's start witnessing and trying to win these to Christ- & claim the crown of soulwinner!