Faith That Acts

June 25, 2023 • BJ Stricklin • James 2:14–26

We are not saved by works, but we are saved for works. The faith we profess is evident by the fruit that comes from our lives. This passage teaches us about useful faith, righteousness, works, and justification. As we see with the example of faith of Rahab, faith risks big for God’s glory. Jesus is the foundation for our justification. Faith in Him is how we’re justified. Good works display our justification by faith in Jesus.

Faith That Prays

August 6, 2023 • BJ Stricklin • 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 In Our Families

July 30, 2023 • BJ Stricklin • Deuteronomy 6:1–9

Faith That Is Humble

July 23, 2023 • Marshall West • 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.