Biblical Truths from West Palm Beach church of Christ

We are spending this month looking at James’ teachings on how to have authentic faith especially during trying times. James 1 tells us that God is using trials to make us mature and complete so that we lack nothing. Therefore, we must let steadfastness have its full effect. Further, James tells us that we need to pray for wisdom while we are in our trials because God will gives us the wisdom we need generously. James also taught us how to look at temptations. No one should think that God is tempting them or that God is trying to destroy their faith. God is for us, gives us every good and perfect gift, and has given us new birth by the word of truth. Rather, what is separating us from God are the evil desires that are in us. Our desires give birth to sin which leads us to spiritual death. Now James is bringing us to a fourth consideration for our times in trials. Another problem that arises during trials is anger…

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We have noticed in our study of Matthew that this gospel stacks historical accounts together to teach us important messages about who Jesus is and what it means to follow him and belong to his kingdom. In our last lesson we noticed the rejection of Jesus and John. John was killed for preaching that it was unlawful for Herod to be married to Herodias. This event causes Jesus to leave where he is in Galilee. In Matthew 14:13 we read that Jesus now moves to a desolate place by himself. But this rejection will help us see an important picture of Jesus who gives us no reason to fear…

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Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12 NIV)

James writes this book to strength the faith of believers who are experiencing trials. James has instructed us to let perseverance finish its work so that we can be mature and complete, lacking nothing. God is using trials to transform us so that we are mature and complete. God does not want his children to lack anything. So let the trial do its work. James has also instructed to ask God for wisdom because he gives wisdom generously and without reproach. Life instability does not come from the trial but shows that we are not trusting God as our life anchor. James now sums up this teaching in James 1:12. You are blessed for persevering under trials because you will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. Those who love the Lord persevere under trial and they will receive the crown of life because they have stood the test…

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The Gospel of Matthew tells you when it is shifting to a new section of teaching. There are six sections in Matthew marked by five breaks in the text. The break is marked with words like what you read in Matthew 13:53, “When Jesus had finished these parables.” We have called our last series, “The Teachings of Jesus” which covered Matthew 11-13. But now we are going to see a shift in the tone of this gospel. Chapters 14-19 show the rejection of Jesus. Jesus is going to start talking about his rejection and death. Jesus is going to teach the people that his rejection is coming. We are going to read the people rejecting the teachings he proclaimed. But we are also going to see the great power of Jesus in these chapters which will show that rejecting Jesus is categorically wrong and a complete mistake. Matthew is going to show us why we should not dismiss Jesus but must accept him as the Christ, the Son of God. Further, understanding the rejection of Jesus is going to help us understand our mission and the response we will receive from the world in trying to live out our faith…

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We are in a short series from James 1 as we look at how James teaches us how to have faith during trials. What does true faith do during times of hardship and suffering? In the first four verses of James 1 we read that we need to let steadfastness have its full effect so that we can be mature and complete, lacking nothing. Let the trial do its work. But James wants to help us through the trial. As we are letting endurance finish its work, there are things we can do so that we can be sustained through the trial. Listen to what James says next in James 1:5-8.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:5–8 ESV)

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What is God doing in the world? It is not too hard to look around at this world and wonder what God is doing. This can be especially troubling for Christians and their faith. The scriptures tell us that Jesus rose from the dead and took his rightful place at the Father’s right hand, possessing all rule, authority, and power over the nations of the earth (cf. Daniel 7:13-14; 1 Corinthians 15:20-28). Even Jesus himself, when he rose from the dead, proclaimed, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18 ESV). Since Jesus has authority over earth and has established his kingdom, then shouldn’t things be different? Shouldn’t the world be better?

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New Year’s Day is a special day for people. We like the idea of a fresh start. We like the idea of moving forward from the past year and having the hope of a better year. We like the idea of improving ourselves, improving our condition, and improving our lives. This year is just going to be our year. It is a time when we like to remember and a time when we like to make resolutions to do better. Since this Sunday falls on New Year’s Day, I wanted to do a lesson called Living Stones so that we could have a better year spiritually. God wants us to improve spiritually. God wants us to have a better life because we are drawing closer to him. What I want to do is focus on one of the ways God wants his people have a better life for him. One of those ways is through memorials. God repeated uses memorials as a way for his people to stay faithful to him. God’s memorials are used so that the people will not forget God and stay close to him for the rest of their lives…

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