When we were kids, one of mom and dad's main functions was teaching us the things to avoid. That's James' topic too. If we want to walk in the spirit, there are things we definitely need to avoid. And I think as we go along in today's study, you'll notice that God's "hands off" list is very similar to the world's "go ahead and do it" list.

Today on Bridging the Gap, pastor Lloyd Pulley contrasts the wisdom that comes from below with the wisdom that comes from above. Obviously, the greater of the two is the one that comes from God, and so that's the one we'll spend the majority of our time talking about over the next two broadcasts, as we continue our pursuit through the book of James.

Pastor Lloyd is leading us verse by verse through the epistle of James. We've all experienced saying something that later we wished we hadn't... whether it be a curse word, or something that hurt another a great deal. It's amazing how such a small part of the body can have such a large impact. No wonder James likens it to a fire! Let's see now how we can use it for good rather than evil, in James three.

Since our early days in Sunday School we've heard over and over again that we are saved by grace and not by works. We've committed verses like Ephesians two, verses eight and nine to our memory to reinforce that belief. Then we run across verses in James chapter two that at first glance seem to contradict the doctrine of salvation by grace alone through faith alone. "Faith without works is dead." But today on Bridging the Gap we'll see that these passages are actually complimentary.

As we study James chapter two today, we're going to discuss a subject of some controversy. The relationship between faith and works. James says faith without works is dead, while Paul said we are saved by faith, apart from any works! Is there a way for these two statements to coexist? We'll find out today on our broadcast.

Bigotry and racism are front page items in today's world. The upcoming election is proof of that. Can you recall a time in history when this country has been more racially divided? And our national media seems intent on stoking the racial fires unceasingly. On today's program, we see James underscore the sin of partiality. We'll soon see that when it comes to the law of love there is no room for prejudice.

On today's broadcast, Pastor Lloyd Pulley returns to our study of James. In our day and age, we're encouraged to have favorites... from our favorite ice cream to our favorite sports team. We have our favorite restaurant, and favorite friends too. On today's program, we see James underscore the sin of partiality. We'll soon see that when it comes to the law of love there is no room for prejudice.

Today on Bridging the Gap, as we return to our study of James, we'll be reminded of the power of words. They have the power to motivate millions of people to hang tough in a difficult situation, and they have the ability to cut a person to ribbons. Pastor Lloyd Pulley is our teacher, and on today's program, he'll show us what James has to say on the subject of the unbridled tongue.

Today on Bridging the Gap, we continue our series in James by taking a look at the end of chapter one. Here's pastor Lloyd Pulley with a message titled "True Religion".

If you pay much attention to current events today, you may have noticed a trend among many people - a trend toward resignation. I don't mean quitting jobs, I mean being resigned to living an incomplete life. People walking around without purpose - just running out the string. It doesn't have to be that way! Today we'll continue a look at the epistle of James, and a message on growing spiritually. That should be the goal of every believer!.