Pursuing A Godly Identity!

Riverview Church - Bonsall

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Pursuing A Godly Identity!

Life Changing Faith - The Book of James

February 18, 2024

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Pursuing A Godly Identity!

Life Changing Faith - The Book of James

Intro: The Book of James

Written by: James

Date: 46-50 A.D.

Theme: Faith in Action

Key Verse: "Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:17)

Outline of James:

1. Yes of Faith (1:1-18)

2. Characteristics of Faith (1:19-5:6)

3. Triumph of Faith (5:7-20)

Bottom Line:

The most significant and most accurate way to define a person entails understanding that person's deepest held, core, foundational beliefs. For the believer that is found in our connection and relationship with Jesus.

1. A godly, wise identity is best realized by focusing on the awesome person Christ. James 1:1

Defining your identity is all about...

-your core-foundational beliefs that are shaping you as a person.

- They determine the way you think; opinions, moods and reactions.

-They control your use of resources and your attitudes toward them.

- They answer where you came from, why you're here, and where you're going.

I am ... (my identity in Christ):

1. a follower (servant) of Jesus Christ - John 12:26

2. Set free by Christ's work on the cross. John 8:32-36

3. Here to glorify God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

4. Adopted into God's family. Romans 8:15

5. A co-heir with Christ. Romans 8:17

6. Seated with Christ (Authority) Ephesians 2:6

2. A godly, wise identity is best nurtured in a humble heart and mind. James 1:1

A major obstacle to a healthy identity:

Having a Deflated view of God and an Inflated view of myself

Wisdom From Above - Part 2 | Message from Pastor Mel

July 7, 2024

Wisdom From Above - Part 2 | Message from Pastor Mel Life Changing Faith - The Book of James Bottom Line: Believers in Jesus Christ are to love the wisdom that comes from above and to reject any infiltration of the wisdom of this world into their lives because it only leads to separation from God and His amazing plan. Intro: 1. God's wisdom leads ultimately to good outcomes. James 3:13; Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 2:6-8; Proverbs 3:5-6 a. God's wisdom naturally "shows up" in real life. v.13 b. God's wisdom is done in meekness v.13 Meekness: -not weakness -not about a prideful display of your intelligence or your "superiority" -Biblical meekness is seen in a person's desire that all the glory must go to God. 2. God's wisdom fights against jealousy and selfish ambition. James 3:14-18; 1 Corinthians 1:25; James 1:5 Adopting the wisdom of the world results in.... Loss of Focus | Lack of Perseverance | Not Serving | Avoiding Personal Time w/the Lord | OK w/ Offensive Actions | Reduced Desire for Teaching | Ignoring Internal Toxins | Numb to Sin & False Teachings Around You The Beautiful Qualities of Wisdom from Above: James 3:17 Sincere | Impartial | Full of Mercy... good fruits | Open to Reason | Peaceable | Pure

Danger of Discontentment | Message from Pastor Mel

July 14, 2024

Danger of Discontentment | Message from Pastor Mel Bottom Line: Discontentment is as old as sin itself. We must find in Christ all that we need and be content in every situation we find ourselves in as God moves us toward becoming a better person that is passionate about accomplishing God's goals for our lives. 1. Discontentment puts you in conflict with others and God. James 4:1-3 "Contentment": Being satisfied, thankful, and joyful for what you have through Christ with no need or demands for more. It is a powerful quality that aids a person in conquering all the circumstances of life. If Jesus Christ is your preeminent (superior to all others) passion, then it… A. Resolves the war within you v. 1 B. Reduces the war with others. v. 1 C. Reveals the way we should pray. v. 2-3 2. Discontentment is fueled when we align ourselves with the thinking of this world. James 4:4-6 “Friendship with the World” (Worldliness): When a believer exhibits actions, attitudes, or opinions that violate principles or commands in God’s Word. A. Friendship with the world = compromising what is right. v. 4 B. Compromising what is right = opposing God. v. 4 C. Opposing God = restricting the work of the Holy Spirit in us. v. 5 D. Restricting the work of the Holy Spirit = developing destructive pride. v. 6 3. Our contentment in Christ will be fueled by a humble, submissive spirit! James 4:7-10 Plan of Action: A. Submit to God. B. Resist the devil C. Draw near to God. D. Take steps toward purity E. Be willing to move from "brokenness" F. Remember the reward

Taming The Tongue | Message from Pastor Mel

May 5, 2024

Bottom Line: We, as believers with genuine faith, must be committed to honoring and obeying God in WHAT we say and the WAY in which we communicate with those around us. Intro: 1. Get your communication under God's control... completely! James 3:1-2 a. Teachers - Realize your _________________ v. 1 b. Believers - Realize your _________________ v. 2 2. Consider the impact of how you communicate... soberly. James 3:3-5 3. Identify the destructive tendencies in your communication.. humbly. James 3:6-8 4. Deal with your n eeded "speech changes"... aggressively. James 3:9-12 Now What? 1. Pray humbly asking the Lord to convict you of changes you need to make in your communication. 2. Ask a spouse or close friend which tendency exist in your life reassuring them that you won't become retaliatory or defensive.