Complete Faith

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.

Faith That Submits

July 16, 2023 • BJ Stricklin • James 4:1–10

There are two types of friendships – one with the world and one with God. Friendship with the world comes from sinful flesh, to be spent on earthly passions, and ends in being enemies of God. The Spirit longs for us to live for and in Him. Friendship with God comes from His grace as we submit ourselves to Him and resist the devil. Drawing near to God through humble repentance and grieving over our sin, results in being lifted by God. 

Faith That Comes From Heaven

July 9, 2023 • Bill Elliff • James 3:13–18

There are two sources (and types) of wisdom: worldly wisdom and Godly wisdom. Worldly wisdom comes from hell – it is of the devil. It is false and self-centered and evidenced by works of jealousy which leads to disorder and evil. Godly wisdom comes from heaven, operates in godliness, and produces righteousness and peace. 

Faith That Speaks

July 2, 2023 • BJ Stricklin • James 3:1–12

The tongue reveals the condition of our hearts. James’ infallible words help us with our fallible words. Teachers of God’s Word along with everyone else must be careful with their words as everyone stumbles and sins through our words. The tongue is powerful, and we must recognize our inability to tame it on our own. We must allow the Lord to transform our hearts and minds through His Word and Spirit, which will transform our words to speak the truth in love and the good news to our neighbors and nations.   

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 Loves

June 18, 2023 • BJ Stricklin • James 2:1–13

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 Obeys

June 11, 2023 • Bradley Toone • James 1:19–27

Christ followers must not only receive God’s Word, but keep it at the forefront of their spiritual growth as they obey it. As we receive the Word which saves and sanctifies, we must keep it in full view daily and apply it internally and externally. 

Faith That Perseveres

June 4, 2023 • Bill Elliff • James 1:1–18

Trials and temptations are both inevitable. God desires to deepen our faith through both. Knowing God is sovereign over our trials helps us grow in His likeness, trust Him for wisdom, depend on Him for provision, and live in His blessings. Understanding the origin of sin helps us to overcome its deception that leads to death. Growing through trials and overcoming sin helps us to experience Him and His salvation and goodness.