Many who look at James chapter five misinterpret what the author is truly saying. James tells the sick person to call for the elders, and let them pray over him or her, and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. Then he goes on to say that the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick. Does this mean that God will heal everyone who prays with faith? A good question, and Pastor Lloyd Pulley will have an answer in just a moment as we return to our study of James.

Today, Lloyd will bring us another message from his series in James. As we mentioned at the beginning of this series, James is one of the most practical books in the Bible. It speaks of taming the tongue, the importance of putting our faith into real action, and dealing with the hardships of life. When we suffer, we so often ask God to take the pain away! But the Lord has something greater in view, than our comfort. He wants to conform us into the image of Christ!

If I asked you to name a character trait that seems to be harder and harder to find these days, I think a good answer would be "integrity". People seem to just be doing whatever they feel like doing, without any thought of anyone. Lying seems to be an accepted part of life in 2024. Today on Bridging the Gap we're encouraged toward a life of honesty and integrity… in all that we say and do.

We'll continue our study of the book of James today, and if you'll recall we left off in chapter five. It's exciting to think that Jesus could return at any time. All the signs suggest He's at the door, and that His return is soon. And that should radically impact how we live.

Today on Bridging the Gap, we're reminded that Jesus is coming soon and how that truth should impact the way we live. Our current series is focusing on the epistle of James, and as you know, James doesn't beat around the bush! Pastor Lloyd Pulley visits James five, and verses seven through twelve on this broadcast, as we get ready for the return of Christ.

There was a group of people who apparently weren't living as they should back in the first century A.D., and this prompted a sharp rebuke from James. Not unlike many Americans, these people misused their riches, and we'll see what James has to say about them - and perhaps us.

Perhaps the most famous gold strike in American history occurred in January 1848 when a man named John Marshall found gold at Sutter's Mill in northern California. The find set off a gold rush that reached a frenzied pitch, but it ruined Marshall and John Stutter, the man who owned the land. Sutter's land was overrun by gold seekers, his cattle stolen, and he was driven into bankruptcy. Marshall died drunk and penniless. Seeking riches and misusing them was a topic James spoke about quite forcefully.

Who really knows what's best for us? Most of us, of course, think we do. However, James, in a very bold and uncompromising way, shows us in chapter four of his epistle that reliance on God is the only way to go! It's been mankind's problem since the garden of Eden - we think we are sooooooo much smarter than God!

Today we'll continue our journey through one of the most challenging books in the bible, James. Many in our day and age pride themselves on their independence. They want to do their own thing and be their own king, have their own way, day and say. But the Christian is to live quite differently. Our lives must be totally dependent upon God.

Our Heavenly Father wants us to present our requests to Him. And often times, the reason we don't have some things is because we haven't asked! And material "things" are not what we are necessarily talking about! Pastor Lloyd Pulley will explain in just a moment as we return to our study of James. We'll be in chapter four here on this edition of Bridging the Gap