We all love to say that we as Christians are all about truth AND love. Do we just say that? Or are we known by it? š§
As James continues to remind us, our faith without works is dead. Jesus has saved us through the grace of Himself and we are--literally--eternally grateful.
As we continue to learn what it means to be the family of God, James š challenges us this week that the acceptance of a creed is not enough to save a personā¦so what is?
Faith At Work (WS)
Westside Campus
July 25, 2021 ā¢ Kenan Stolz ā¢ James 2:14ā26
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Faith Works
Faith In Our Prayers (BG)
August 29, 2021 ā¢ Jon Siebert ā¢ James 5:13ā20, 2 Corinthians 12:7ā10, 1 John 5:14, Luke 18:10ā14
The act of praying helps us remember Who is in control (hint, it isnāt us) and strengthens our faith. If you remember, James instructs his fellow believers to pray when facing trials, trusting fully that God will answer and provide what they need (1:5). But he doesnāt stop at prayer during trials. James ends his letter by urging readers to sing praises when they are cheerful. We give thanks to God for what He has done, which strengthens our endurance as we remember His faithfulness to us. As we rejoice in the hope of Godās goodness, we are increasingly able to find patience in our trials because our eyes are on Jesus. We are also called to pray with others when we are sick or find that our faith is weak; the encouragement of believers gathered together in Jesusā name asking God for healing and strength, is a great help to the one in need. Prayer is powerful because God is all-powerful. God hears our prayers.
Faith In Our Prayers (WS)
August 29, 2021 ā¢ Kenan Stolz ā¢ James 5:13ā20
The act of praying helps us remember Who is in control (hint, it isnāt us) and strengthens our faith. If you remember, James instructs his fellow believers to pray when facing trials, trusting fully that God will answer and provide what they need (1:5). But he doesnāt stop at prayer during trials. James ends his letter by urging readers to sing praises when they are cheerful. We give thanks to God for what He has done, which strengthens our endurance as we remember His faithfulness to us. As we rejoice in the hope of Godās goodness, we are increasingly able to find patience in our trials because our eyes are on Jesus. We are also called to pray with others when we are sick or find that our faith is weak; the encouragement of believers gathered together in Jesusā name asking God for healing and strength, is a great help to the one in need. Prayer is powerful because God is all-powerful. God hears our prayers.
Faith For Tomorrow (BG)
August 22, 2021 ā¢ Jon Siebert ā¢ James 4:13ā5:6
In this section, James addresses two categories of sin: sins of omission and sins of commission. A sin of omission is the failure to act while sins of commission are sinful actions. Christians are called to live directed by the knowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, He is currently ruling and reigning, and He will return one day for His Bride, the Church. What does sin have to do with this? When we lose eternal perspective, we tend to stop acting the way we should (sins of omission) and start acting in ways we should not (sins of commission). Is your life guided by personal pursuit of happiness, or is it motivated by Christās return? Our planning, amassing of goods, and our treatment of others should all be driven by the truth. God sees our motives, our lack of action and outright sin, and holds us accountable for it all. This should serve to both urge us to evaluate where we place our hope and what drives our hearts, as well as comfort those who are overlooked. God sees, He is in control, and Christ is returning for His Church!