Throughout Scripture, we see that God hates partiality; He gives many commands to care for the weak and oppressed. The ways we treat others reveal how well we understand God’s love for us. We have been called to love as Christ loved us, to love others as we love ourselves. We are undoubtedly quick to look after our own needs, but do we do this for those around us? More specifically, do we do this for those who cannot pay us back or grant us similar favors in return? A believer’s life should be marked by courtesy, compassion, and consistency toward all. We are called to show mercy because we have been shown mercy. Partiality is the opposite action to what God has shown each and every person who calls on the name of Jesus Christ.
Simply put, our partiality reveals what, or who, we really worship.
Faith Loves (WS)
Westside Campus
July 18, 2021 • Dave Williams • Matthew 25:34–46, James 2:1–13, John 3:16
Faith In Our Prayers (BG)
August 29, 2021 • Jon Siebert • James 5:13–20, 2 Corinthians 12:7–10, 1 John 5:14, Luke 18:10–14
The act of praying helps us remember Who is in control (hint, it isn’t us) and strengthens our faith. If you remember, James instructs his fellow believers to pray when facing trials, trusting fully that God will answer and provide what they need (1:5). But he doesn’t stop at prayer during trials. James ends his letter by urging readers to sing praises when they are cheerful. We give thanks to God for what He has done, which strengthens our endurance as we remember His faithfulness to us. As we rejoice in the hope of God’s goodness, we are increasingly able to find patience in our trials because our eyes are on Jesus. We are also called to pray with others when we are sick or find that our faith is weak; the encouragement of believers gathered together in Jesus’ name asking God for healing and strength, is a great help to the one in need. Prayer is powerful because God is all-powerful. God hears our prayers.
Faith In Our Prayers (WS)
August 29, 2021 • Kenan Stolz • James 5:13–20
The act of praying helps us remember Who is in control (hint, it isn’t us) and strengthens our faith. If you remember, James instructs his fellow believers to pray when facing trials, trusting fully that God will answer and provide what they need (1:5). But he doesn’t stop at prayer during trials. James ends his letter by urging readers to sing praises when they are cheerful. We give thanks to God for what He has done, which strengthens our endurance as we remember His faithfulness to us. As we rejoice in the hope of God’s goodness, we are increasingly able to find patience in our trials because our eyes are on Jesus. We are also called to pray with others when we are sick or find that our faith is weak; the encouragement of believers gathered together in Jesus’ name asking God for healing and strength, is a great help to the one in need. Prayer is powerful because God is all-powerful. God hears our prayers.
Faith For Tomorrow (BG)
August 22, 2021 • Jon Siebert • James 4:13—5:6
In this section, James addresses two categories of sin: sins of omission and sins of commission. A sin of omission is the failure to act while sins of commission are sinful actions. Christians are called to live directed by the knowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, He is currently ruling and reigning, and He will return one day for His Bride, the Church. What does sin have to do with this? When we lose eternal perspective, we tend to stop acting the way we should (sins of omission) and start acting in ways we should not (sins of commission). Is your life guided by personal pursuit of happiness, or is it motivated by Christ’s return? Our planning, amassing of goods, and our treatment of others should all be driven by the truth. God sees our motives, our lack of action and outright sin, and holds us accountable for it all. This should serve to both urge us to evaluate where we place our hope and what drives our hearts, as well as comfort those who are overlooked. God sees, He is in control, and Christ is returning for His Church!