Ann K

To me I would think that celebrating or partaking of the Lord'sSupper often would take away the awe and mystery associated with it. However, Others feel comfortable receiving it every day. Jesus commanding its repetition implies he does not want to be forgotten. The reason for partaking must be held up in that person's spiritual belief. The Clergy partaking in the 'ceremony' or service add s to the meaning of the service. What he/she puts into the Service will help implement the real meaning of the Service.

Broken, Poured out, Forgiveness. I remember how his body was broken, his blood poured out of his wounds and for the forgiveness of my sins. how fortunate am I!!!

Extreme symbolic interpretation would make people overreact in many cases. The balance is to be able to respect the 'elements' and when receiving them be able to relate the symbolism for the real meaning of the bread and wine. The atmosphere in which the meal is observed is also very important. It is all right be to 'modern' in many things but the Lors's Table needs respect and prayer.

I believe in the symbolic and spiritual concept of communion. The mystery and feelings of nearness to the Lors at the 'Table' help me get closer to the Lord. I still cannot fathom why he would sacrifice so much for me. If he then believed in me than I must try my best to please him.

Much. I found myself thinking much more about my own life since I started this course. I almost gave up by the second lesson as I was fristrated and uncertain as to where I was heading. I was afraid I was getting in 'Over my head in understanding.' However, I have perserved and have completed it. However, 'the taming of the tongue', 'the role of elders', and the anointing have become much clearer to me amidst much more. The material covered have certainly opened my vision. Grumbling and complaining has been frequent on our pastoral Charge the past weekover Easter services. I was being eaten at the decision made and did not agree with it. For several days I chewed, complained and grumbled. On the third day I decided that I would talk to the Chair of the Charge and outline my disagreements with the decision made. The folowing day changes were made and the problem was overcome. I know I have made a few people unhappy but I felt for the Charge as a whole something had to be done. As soon As I hung up the telephone after making the call I felt at peace and so relieved. By taking part in the study of James I was able to confront the issue. Prior to the study I probably would have done nothing. Thank you for asking me to a part of this study. Thank you Pastor Ralph.

By our faith working out in action not letting someone else do it. Letting God be our guide. By our prayers and actions we can assist our wandering folks home. God loves all his sheep.

The role of oil is to signify the presence of the Holy Spirit.. The prayer of faith using the name of Jesus is powerful and this calls God into the healing ministry.. You must believe. Faith brings about action.. By confession of sins we admit our wrongdoings to another and be made ourselves accountable for our own sins.

The elders role is to be immersed in the Word with a tried and true faith who know the Lord and isn't afraid to ask God to do what may be impossible, but is also able to accept the manner in which God answers prayer.

I thinkthe person who is sick should initiate the prayer, but healing is further aided by prayers and support of others. The elders are responsible to pray for those who request it or are in need of support, love and prayers. Faith must be there. (I am not always in support of the elders who are chosen. Often their influence in community is considered more than their faith .)

We are a very unsatisfied and impatient people. Our faith is very shallow and me orientedIt is easier to complain than to do something about it. Someone else will do it. Our patience is very short! To grow in our faith we must have patience. God is listening to us and will answer us in his time, and not aalways as we wish. Thank you, Lord for aways being there for me in good times and in bad. Amen.

We will not be ready. Patience is vital so we have time to prepare, to till our soul, to water our growth, and when our time to gather in our ssspiritual or heavenly harvest we will be ready. God will come to us when he knows we are ready to gather or harvest his love. God most have wonderful patience and love for us mortals hereon earth.

Comfort and luxury become our 'god'. We want more and more in worldly goods and less and less time for our Saviour. Our Will becomes more important than the will that God has set us to do. The more the wealthy can obtain `` the less the workers seem to strive for. Unions, although , having good qualities are helping the poor become poorer and the rich richer. Their high wages causes the stores to increase thier prices ~ making the man on a lower or minimum wage fall further behind . Government , too, is part of this vicious circle.

James is warning us about making plans for the future as if we were in control. God is the one who controls the course of our lives, if we chose to follow it. Don't presume. Submit to God. Slow down. Wait for God's plan for you rather than trying to get rapid results by your own actions.

By bad mouthing a neighbour I am taking what I think is right (The law and I am the judge) I am judging the person on my concept of the law. Humility~~NO. Perhaps I am trying to get even from what she has said or done to me. I want to try and impose my belief or ideal on that person. Iam right ~~ Of Course~~~ the other person is wrong!!!!!! Human nature. Boy Do I need to work on this.

These actions are necessary to lift us from a state of righteousness to a state of being humble serving the Lord instead of our own personal pleasure or desires. We always want to lean to the righteous, haughty, and look at me attitude. Learning to be humble in the sight of God is much more difficult. Humbling myself and submission to God is probably the most difficult.

They are leaning towards a system that doesn't love or follow Jesus. They are pursuing the pleasures of the world. Adultery is being unfaithful to the one to which you are married or betrothed. The aggrieved husband is God. Friendship with the world makes us 'greedy' for worldly pleasures and wants. It removes us from our genuine love toward God. Choosing worldly pleasures makes us become an enmy of God.

They are leaning towards a system that doesn't love or follow Jesus. They are pursuing the pleasures of the world. Adultery is being unfaithful to the one to which you are married or betrothed. The aggrieved husband is God. Friendship with the world makes us 'greedy' for worldly pleasures and wants. It removes us from our genuine love toward God. Choosing worldly pleasures makes us become an enmy of God.

No, God is not aginst pleasure. Not if it is one where we are striving to fulfill God's Will for us, Where we are living to love others and help them. In living to increase one's pleasure we are seeking only our own 'self happiness' not concerned with our fellow man and the grace of God. I am becoming more self centered and not doing the will of God when I try to increase my pleasure.

Bitter envy and self ambition are man driven. and man centered. We are striving for only our own gain. Humility causes a person to strive to help his fellow man , organization or creat a common good with God as his guide and support. God is striving in the background to overcome when envy and self ambition are at the forefront. The great "I" is the most predominant. We are being driven by Satan. The quiet, self - unassuming person does so much more good in his work among his fellow man. Often this person is not recognized for his/her godly attributes until he/she has passed from this earthly life. Boasting about your 'great deeds' shows your selfishness in your heart.

The tongue is ruled by what is in the heart and mind. We have to know the love of Christ and accept it. By careful thought, deep concern of what we are to say, knowing the love of God we can help to tame the tongue. I guess it is better to think it, then to say it. Once uttered, it can't be taken back Hopw often have we wished we had not said something.

Teachers have to practice (or should) what they say and do. People respect teachers (in most Cases). This is difficult being human. If you teach it then you are to do it. Being a teacher, people tend to put you on a higher pedestal and respect you. No, he or she is only human -- but I have great respect for them and their vocation. I would expect them to lead a godly life and in return have them expect certain standards for me.

With love. The wisdom of the Devil is disminished and the wisdom and love of the Lorsd increases in our hearts, tames oput tongues, and we grow with more love toward God and our fellowman. Righteousness will increase. Thanks be to God.

James ' idea of 'works' are good, natural and acceptable by our love and faith in Christ. Paul accepted or believed that 'observing the works of the laws' are necessary to be saved, but 'good works' come from us because of our love and faith in Christ.v

It is our responsibility to embrace them with love and caring and material things necessary for their well being.. We need to supply the staples that will help them. By showing an active and positive concern we are living our faith. Regardless of whether they are part of our local church or part of the wider community, our responsibility is to help these people. We are all children of God.

The Word or "Good News" cannot be spread. It might be in the heart but without acting, it is stagnant and self contained.