The Chronicles of Northside

In this passage, James changes gears from rebuking wealthy oppressors who live for their own wanton pleasure to exhorting his oppressed fellow believers to “be patient.” (On a side note, this passage is a timely message for us as we continue to face the effects of Covid-19, the rise of government restrictions, the movement towards loss of religious freedom, and the worsening of moral values in our society.) In view of the reality of trials in this life, James’ message is repeatedly addressed to fellow believers--“brothers and sisters.” As those who belong to Christ, we are told to be patient, which means that we are “not to lose heart.” Rather, we are “to bravely persevere in enduring misfortunes, troubles, or ill treatment” until the coming of the Lord! The basis of James’ exhortation is the fact that Christ's coming is near. It is for certain. It is "at hand!"  As an illustration, James reminds of how "the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being pat...

In this passage, James is addressing the materially wealthy. At what point, though, does one become rich? Or how much does one need to possess to be considered as one of those addressed here by James? It is safe to say, I think, that this passage can apply to each of us who have more than what we need and have extra left over to help another. (Indeed, compared to most of the population outside the United States, we are all relatively wealthy!) Question: Is it sinful to be wealthy materially? Clearly, the answer is no. Indeed, we have rich individuals recorded in Scripture who were godly. Included in this list are Abraham, Job, David, and Lydia.  The problem, then, is not in possessing wealth in itself, but in the focus that we give it or the affection that we set upon it. It is not a small matter when we consider the fact that God gives us this specific warning: "the love of money is the root of all evil" (1Timothy 6:6-10). Take the rich young ruler, for example, in Matthew 1...

  The book of Daniel is one that points to God's Sovereignty-- sovereignty not just over each individual but over every nation. Indeed, he is sovereign over all!  Daniel was just a young man when he was carried away as a prisoner by the Babylonians, the nation used by God to punish unrepentant Israel. His family background and characteristics are described in the first chapter: an Israelite "from the royal family and the nobility," a young man who was "handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace."  Chapter nine of Daniel hones in on a specific time period-- the first year of Darius ' reign. Go back to chapter 5 and there we are told about how Darius received the kingdom after Belshazzar the Chaldean saw "the handwriting on the wall." In keeping with God's Word, God's judgement had come-- not just over Belshazzar but over the entire Baylonian empire. ...

    There’s a story about a grandfather who tried to give advice to his grandson. He said, “Johnny, “Fools are certain, wise men hesitate.” Johnny, in reply, asked, “Are you sure, Grandpa?” With unequivocal confidence, the grandfather answered, “Yes, I am absolutely certain.”       This rather amusing story provides a good backdrop to the warning in James 4:13-17.  In this passage, we see James calling out to those whose boasting is evil by virtue of their self-confidence. “Look here,” James says, “you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit’” (James 4:13 NLT).       First, let’s look at how James describes those who are so certain of themselves that they are pronounced guilty of such boastfulness: their mind is set to work (“we will go... and do business”); they have a targeted location (“to a certain town”); they have a p...

  The particular subject of James in James 1:36 and James 3:1-11 is the tongue. He again returns to this subject in James 4:11-12.  Based on our prior studies, it is clear that “what you say flows from what is in your heart” (Luke 6:45). In James’ imperative to “not slander one another,” the heart of the problem, as one has aptly put it, “is the problem of the heart.”  The term “slander” speaks of having the intent of defaming or of falsely accusing another. Note that in 1 Peter 2:12, the apostle Peter speaks of slander by unbelievers against believers, which is to be expected, since unbelievers speak from a heart that is fallen in Adam. In contrast, James, in 4:11-12, confronts believers who are slandering fellow believers. Ponder on Matthew 7:1-5, which calls for believers to not condemn fellow believers. Rather, believers should love one another, for “by this all people will know” that they belong to Christ (John 13:34-35). James reasons, quite aptly, that a believer o...

 It is often the case that we encourage one another to rejoice. In the beginning of his letter, James explicitly exhorted the brethren to count it as joy when they meet various trials. Why, then, would the command be given in James 4:9-10 that the brethren “be wretched and mourn and weep” and to let their “laughter be turned to mourning” and their “joy to gloom?” * Think back of the sins addressed in James 2:1-13 (partiality), James 2:14-26 (faith without works), and James 4:1-5 (affinity to the world). It is in view of these sins that James is calling for them to be wretched, to mourn, and to weep. Indeed, despite the grace they have received, they have chosen to act treacherously. They were disloyal or faithless to their Savior and Lord. For this reason, it is only right that they should be miserable for having committed such sins.  With the same force, James commands them to let their “laughter be turned to mourning” and their “joy to gloom.” It is implied in these phrases ...

The recipients of James’ letter are repeatedly addressed as “my brethren.” In James 4:8, however, they are addressed as “you sinners” and “you double-minded,” and are explicitly commanded to “draw near to God,” “cleanse their hands” and to “purify their hearts.”  Why would James describe his “brethren” with words that would not be fitting of fellow believers? To answer the question, we must look back to what James has communicated beforehand. First, in James 1:5-8, he who lacks wisdom is told to “ask God who gives generously to all.” In this context, James describes the doubter who will not receive anything from the Lord because he is ““double-minded, unstable in all his ways.” Next, in James 1:26-27, he who thinks he is “religious” is addressed, for “if... he does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.”  Finally, in James 2:14-26, a hypothetical is given to drive home a point that James makes explicit— that is, “Show me your faith a...

Paul’s Final Instructions Verse 12– “When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.” Artemas mentioned here only and is otherwise unknown to us.  Tychicus mentioned 5x in NT. He is described as a faithful minister and a beloved brother, entrusted with the letter to the Ephesians (Eph. 6:21) and to the Colossians (Col. 4:7). Note Paul’s “pairing” of these gentlemen— one about whom little is known and the other, more prominent. Similar “pairing” in verse 13. Verse 13–“Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing.”  Like Artemas, little is known about Zenas, except what is shared in this verse, that he is a learned man, being described as a lawyer (not revealed if a lawyer as to the OT law, Roman law or both).  Apollos is mentioned 10x in the NT. Acts 18:24 describes him as an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures, as he had been instructed in th...

Review: How God saves us not on the basis of our own righteousness or merit, “but according to His own mercy.” Message: “Stay Committed” “[I]t is a trustworthy statement”— that is, the Gospel of Jesus Christ (see 3:3-8) is a message that can be relied upon and believed, for it is true.  “[I]nsist on these things”— to insist is a compound word in the original which means to “constantly establish”— “constantly” because the Gospel of Jesus Christ remains the same. It is permanent. Therefore, be steadfast and faithful in proclaiming the truth! “[S]o that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works”— the devotion to good works is the RESULT of being saved (NOT for obtaining salvation, for salvation is by grace). The good works referred to here is not the “occasional” performance of a good deed, but the good works that characterize a godly life as a result of having been saved by God through Christ. It is a life that proclaims, in word and deed, the G...

Our Past: What we were—enslaved in sin (3:3) Our Present: What we are—made free by God’s finished work (3:4-7)  The revelation of God the Son- “the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man APPEARED.” The root word, “appear”- 4x used in NT and each time, in reference to Christ. See 2 Tim 1:8-10 (the appearing of Jesus who abolished death and has brought life and immortality); Heb.9:26 (Christ has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself). This “kindness and love of God our Savior” is the BASIS of His appearing (not that we have deserved or sought for it). Ponder on Phil. 2:5-8, 1 Tim. 2:3-6. He saved us “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy” (Titus 3:5). See also Isaiah 53:4-6. 1 Jn 3:5, 2 Cor. 5:21, Gal 3:13-14. The washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit- speaks of a “new birth.” Ponder on John 3:5-18. This washing and renewing are “shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior” (Titus 3:6) The justi...

REVIEW: Paul instructed Titus to remind the brethren “to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work…, showing all meekness unto all men.” THE REASON: For WE ourselves also WERE sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived…” (emphasis added) THE REMINDER: Do not look down upon others, for consider what we were before God saved us! Before Salvation, we WERE: Foolish – being unwise in seeking to please God apart from faith. See Gal 3:1ff “But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for the just shall live by faith” (3:11). See Eph. 5:17. Disobedient – professing “to know God; but in works [denying] him” (1:16). Deceived – being led away from the truth into error and sin. See Matthew 24:4 Enslaved – “serving diverse lusts and pleasures,” which are “of the world” (1 Jn. 2:16), “of the devil” (Jn. 8:44). See also Rom. 1:21-25 and Luke 8:14. Wicked – “living in malice and envy”—having ill will or desiring to harm others; desiring things belonging to others. H...

Consider: How fitting that our series would take us to teaching that is on point during this COVID-19 pandemic! Reminder: we live in a fallen world that is under judgement because of sin. “In the world you will have tribulation.” Review: “these things” (sound doctrine) speak, exhort, reprove with all authority — who God is, what He has done and what He will do— basic truths reminding us to not be anxious but to trust in God, the Sovereign Ruler of all. Titus 3:1-3 Context: Paul telling Titus to purposefully remind all believers in Crete of the godly attitudes that should characterize genuine believers “Put them in mind to”    a) submit to human governmental authorities and “obey (same root word as in Acts 5:29)” Note: these are unbelieving rulers. See Titus 1:12);    b) be ready to every good work (2 Cor. 9:8, 2 Tim 2:21, 3:16-17)— by default, a child of God is always ready to do good! See Eph 2:10, “for we are created in Christ Jesus for good works.”    c)...

Joshua 24 is the final chapter in the book of Joshua– a chapter that deserves careful attention.  Notice how Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel and what He spoke before them: God’s Word. “Thus says the LORD God of Israel:” (1) I took your father Abraham… and led him… and gave him Isaac ; (2) I gave unto Isaac Jacob and Esau ; (3) I sent Moses also and Aaron, and I plagued Egypt ; (4) I brought your fathers out of Egypt; (5) I delivered… into your hand [the men of Jericho, the Amorites, the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; (6) I have given you a land for which ye did not labour.  God, the LORD God, reigns supremely and is sovereign over our lives. He knows the future as well as the past.  He sees the whole picture.  We don’t. “Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth” (Joshua 24:14). Remember Job 1:21. The Lord gives. The Lor...

We would like to share with you a Christmas Concert Celebration by Parkside Church. We pray it will be a blessing to you. Pay special close attention to the screen presentation of what Christmas means and to the lyrics of each song. The Lord bless you and your family this season! Watch the Concert Now

John wrote in Revelation 21: Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true (Revelation 21:1-5 ESV). Just imagine– our world– regenerated! “For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only ...

Pastor Sidney preached today from Revelation 20:11-15 .  This passage speaks of God’s great white throne, the dead, opened books, and the book of life. The sea, death, and Hades “gave up the dead . . . and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds.”  They were judged “from the things which were written in the books . . . And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” One day, each of us will stand before the presence of God.  Matthew 9:31-46 describe how “all the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them . . ., as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats . . . . Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. . . . Then, He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has bee...

In the course of our search for a book about marriage, we came across a little booklet by Rick Thomas entitled, “Help! My Marriage Has Grown Cold.” We would like to highlight an important truth that the author proclaims with clarity, which truth is found in Philippians 1:29 and 1 Peter 2:21 .  From theses verses, the apostle Paul makes clear that we are granted, “for the sake of Christ,” not only to “believe in him but also suffer for his sake.” In the words of Rick Thomas, “there are two gifts at salvation: the first is faith in Christ, and the second is personal suffering” (p.36). In other words, “suffering is part of our calling” (p.36); and the “‘good’ in Romans 8:28 , and the point of the whole passage, is that I will be changed into the image of Christ, but will not necessarily grow healthy, wealthy, and wise” (p.14). Those of us who have grown up in the American culture may have the tendency to f...

After worshipping together this morning at the Milpitas Community Center, we had the privilege of celebrating the 65th birthday anniversary of a fellow servant of the Lord! Witnessing her tears of joy calls to mind God’s goodness, for in our pilgrimage as believers in Christ, we can all attest to the wonder of how our Heavenly Father helps us. Indeed, if we take the time to look back as to how the Lord has patiently led us; and, as we take the time to renew our mind with His Word, recognizing His sovereignty and grace, we can heartily testify like the Psalmist, “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” (Psalm 28:7 NIV)    

Our Purpose: –To Glorify God through Christ– Join us this Sunday, 10:30am    

“The Heralds,” Gospel Singers from the Philippines are coming to join us Sunday, May 7, 2017, 4:00-6:00PM, at the Milpitas Community Center.  Do come and join us!