During the 3rd Century the church faced both extensive persecution and internal controversy. Three primary issues concerned the church during this time. 1) What level of faithfulness should it require of members when desiring numerical growth? 2) Was it possible to forgive those who had denied the faith previously? 3) How free is grace, what does repentance look like, and can the church insist on penance?

James tells us that if we lack the patience to endure trials, and are finding it difficult to see past them to the joy of sanctification, we can ask God for wisdom and He promises to give it abundantly, to those who sincerely trust Him.

An introduction to the book of James, it's major themes and ideas. An exposition of the first four verses, describing the believer's response to trials and afflictions. The Christian response to trials is a thoughtful rejoicing, not in the trials themselves, but in the fruit of the Spirit's work through them in our lives.

A review of various Bible study tools, with recommended commentaries, and a discussion of how to use: English Bible translations, reading plans, concordance, confessions of faith, dictionaries, commentaries, study bibles, and other helpful books.

An exposition of the first 5 paragraphs of chapter 1 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. The First chapter of the confession expresses the principium cognoscendi, the principle of knowing. Everything that follows in the confession is built on the foundation of our doctrine of Scripture.

An exposition of the third line of the Apostles' Creed, in which we examine the work of the Holy Spirit in the conception of the Christ, the importance of the virgin birth, and our hope for glory on the basis of the identity of Christ as the Son of God.

We are God's ambassadors, this means our actions, attitudes, and tone must reflect that we truly believe the message we share, having experienced His salvation in our own lives. But are there best practices for evangelism? Things that make it easier and more effective to share the gospel with those who do not yet believe?