James
Godly Wisdom
James 5:13-18
July 28, 2019 • Bruce Zachary
James, was nicknamed “camel knees” because of the callouses on his knees from countless hours of prayer. James was a man dedicated to prayer, who knew the significance of passionate prayer by a person who is yielded to Jesus. Seven times in these few verses, James refers to prayer. Let’s discover together the connection between prayer and restoration, and the benefits are likely better than you expect…
James 5:1-6
July 14, 2019 • Bruce Zachary
Your attitude about money reveals your attitude towards God. James cries out against using wealth for self-indulgence and luxury. The failure to use resources to advance God’s kingdom, relieve suffering, and honor God reveals a lack of faith and spiritual maturity. Genuine faith in Christ is revealed by attitudes that trust God, and actions that honor God with your money. Someone might have a distrust of institutions generally, or the Church specifically. If that is the case, ask questions. You’re likely to get very reasonable answers. However, don’t use a claimed distrust of institutions as a smokescreen for not trusting nor honoring God.
James 4:13-17
July 7, 2019
Every day each of us makes decisions, choices, and plans for our lives. Some are minor, like what restaurant to go to for lunch. Others are major: whom to marry, which house to buy, what job to take. Oftentimes, regardless of the scope of the decision, we neglect to consult God to determine His will. Living life without considering God’s will is choosing to be in charge of our own lives, and is essentially placing ourselves in His role. Instead, we should seek and submit to God‘s will in every circumstance, knowing that it is always best.
James 4:11-12
June 30, 2019 • Austin Palmer
Judgement is a controversial topic, both inside and outside the church. Thankfully, our Lord Jesus taught much regarding the subject of judgement, including how to experience freedom from and overcome it. James contributes to His teachings by instructing all believers to rid themselves of self-righteous judgement in light of God and who we are before Him.
James 4:1-10
June 23, 2019 • Bruce Zachary
God stirs us to want to draw closer to Him, and discover what we really want and need in this life and the life to come. The key to drawing close is to believe (faith), and humility (a proper view of God and ourselves). Let’s discover how to experience unity with God
James 3:13-18
June 16, 2019 • Bruce Zachary
If you could ask God for anything, what would it be? When Solomon, King David’s son, became king, God offered him anything he wanted. Solomon asked for wisdom. God was pleased that Solomon sought wisdom rather than riches, fame, or glory, and Solomon enjoyed God’s abundant blessings [1Ki. 3]. Solomon understood that God’s wisdom truly is better than gold [Prov. 16:6]. So, where can you discover true wisdom that will yield guidance and contentment in your life?
James 3:1-12
June 9, 2019 • Bruce Zachary
Words empower, encourage, edify, but can also cut, crush, and discourage. Words reflect how we see life, what is in our heart, who we represent, and spiritual maturity. There are three precious commodities that you can’t get back: time, opportunities, and spoken words. Let’s learn the importance of words, how to glorify God, and bless others with our words…
James 2:14-26
June 2, 2019
God’s people should be at the forefront of any social phenomenon to model a culture without partiality. Yet, the problem of prejudice continues, in and out of the Church. What is God’s perspective on prejudice, and how can we overcome prejudice so that we love without partiality? Let’s discover together...
James 2:1-13
May 26, 2019 • Bruce Zachary
God’s people should be at the forefront of any social phenomenon to model a culture without partiality. Yet, the problem of prejudice continues, in and out of the Church. What is God’s perspective on prejudice, and how can we overcome prejudice so that we love without partiality? Let’s discover together...
James 1:19-27
May 19, 2019 • Bruce Zachary
The Bible is your true north compass that directs you how to live a life that is satisfying to you and glorifying to God. It reveals origins, explains what is wrong with the world, helps you navigate the challenges of this life, and prepares you to experience life with God today and through eternity. Thus, we neglect the Bible and its truth at our own peril. The Bible is a cohesive collection of 66 books written over 1500 years by 40 authors. They agree internally and externally (e.g. archaeology), are consistent with science (except miracles), are filled with fulfilled predictive prophecy, and attested by thousands of manuscripts. Thus, it proves God inspired the writings and the Bible has not been altered by man. The skeptics’ concerns can reasonably be addressed, and the faithful can rejoice. Those who learn the word, love it and live it have discovered that that this book, by God’s Spirit gives a better life. Today, we will discover how…
James 1:12-18
May 12, 2019 • Bruce Zachary
James exhorts us not to be deceived about temptation [16]. Temptation offers something it never delivers. What’s the truth about faith and temptation, and does it matter? Knowing the truth about temptation and sin, and truth about God, can help you to make wonderful progress in your lifelong battle with temptation. This is practical sanctification that glorifies God and satisfies man! Let’s discover how together …
James 1:2-11
May 5, 2019
Trials in life are inevitable for all of us, and will come in many forms. James encourages us to “count it all joy” when we encounter trials, and reminds us that God can use them to test our faith, which can produce in us the valuable characteristic of patience. He also instructs us that God can give us the wisdom we need to navigate our trials, and that He can lift us up when we’re feeling down because of them. Responding to our trials in faith with this knowledge will not only help us get through them, but will also allow us to experience God as He works in and around us.
James 1:1
April 28, 2019 • Bruce Zachary
Real faith in Christ is manifest by actions that glorify God. True followers of Jesus experience transformed lives so that we do the Word of God, rather than simply hear it. James compels us to consider, what are you doing with your faith? Through this study in James, we’ll discover how to live our faith so that we glorify God, and know that we have real faith in Jesus.