Faith expresses itself in love. Showing favoritism expresses worldliness. Christ followers are to live in a way that does not operate in worldly systems such as favoring the rich and neglecting the poor. Believers must live in a way that glorifies God, testifies to His grace, displays the Royal Law, is aware He is the Judge, and shows His mercy.
Faith That Loves
June 18, 2023 • Blake Hudspeth • James 2:1–13
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Complete Faith
Faith That Prays
August 6, 2023 • Jonathan Burgin • James 5:13–20
Our faith grows, and joy increases during suffering as we turn to God in prayer and praise. James instructs the church to pray with the elders. The literal and symbolic oil represents setting someone apart through prayer for special attention and care before God Who alone can heal. Not only should the elders pray for people, but so should the whole church because God answers prayer! He answered prayers for Elijah, and He’ll do it for us! Believers should pray for and help return those who wander and waiver in their faith back to God Who forgives and restores.
Faith That Lasts
July 30, 2023 • Connor Erwin • James 5:7–12
Our faith is tested and strengthened in suffering. God desires believers to grow in patience. Like a farmer we are to wait on the harvest of fruit that comes from the seeds of patience. We must allow the Lord to change our hearts and we must refrain from grumbling to be found faithful by the Lord, the coming Judge. We should be unwavering like the prophets and steadfast like Job . Again (and above all), our speech reflects trustworthiness in persevering faith.
Faith That Is Surrendered
July 23, 2023 • Jonathan Burgin • James 4:11—5:6
God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. Pride manifests in various forms. It could be slander, boasting, or hoarding. Slander dishonors God and disheartens others. In contrast, Godly speech praises God and encourages others. Boasting about our future (short and long-term) by neglecting to ask God’s will is arrogant, foolish, and evil. Hoarding the resources God has placed in our lives is also prideful. We will be judged by God for how we have used what He has entrusted us. The things of this world are wasting away, but they can be invested for eternal purposes in His Kingdom. ELDER BLESSING By: Pete Lee Summit Church, I bless you, in Jesus' name, that you would be strong through the great grace that God gives you. That you would walk through every season of your life with a heart to please the Father in all things. I pray that you would be blessed with a unified mind (Phil 2:2) that remembers Jesus Christ and seeks to walk in His ways, not becoming distracted by lesser things. And as you remember Jesus, you would seek to live like him, having the same attitude that He had. For even though He was God, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient even to the point of death (Phil 2:5-11). I bless your words, that they would be full of life (James 4:11&12) and would point others to the One who gives life. (Psalm 34:1-3). I bless your thoughts, that they would be pure, and would continually be turned to the Father in worship and praise. I bless your finances, that they would be seen as a means to worship the Father. May you live out the reality that true treasure is stored in heaven, not on earth (Matt 6:19-21). I bless your moments, each one, that they would be carefully submitted to the Lord. And may you find yourself ready to receive whatever He might bring your way. I pray, Summit Church, that you would be blessed with the heart of generosity and humility that is formed only by dwelling daily in the presence of Christ. Amen