The biggest cause of church splits and church problems occurs because of the dangerous effects of the tongue. If we would simply allow the Holy Spirit to work in us the fruit of the Spirit which is love as well as self control, we would be able to refrain from gossiping, and refrain from telling lies. Pastor Ed's explanation of why some in the church have no control over their tongue, is that they are not abiding in the Vine, and receiving the power needed to have self control.

As Pastor Ed continues to teach through the Book of James, he'll be challenging us to understand how important it is to have control over our tongue. The Bible has a plethora of scripture that warns about the destructive power of our words. We can either use our speech to uplift others, to preach the gospel, to make a positive impact in peoples lives, or we can use it to slander, belittle, and discourage. It has been said that God gave us one mouth and two ears so that we would listen more and speak less!

The power of life and death can be found in the tongue! The Apostle James is exhorting the church to be extremely careful with this tiny vessel the tongue, because it can be set with the fires of hell. Pastor Ed will be reminding us that our words can cause extreme damage to people, as well as give someone hope and encouragement. When we are going through trials, or there is pressure being applied to us, what comes out of our mouth is indicative of what is truly going on deep down within us.

If you ever want to know whats in someone's heart, just listen to them talk for a little while. The Bible say's that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. As Pastor Ed continues his teaching through the Book of James, he'll be challenging us to deal with any sin that may have taken root deep down within us that is being revealed by what comes out of our mouths. If we are speaking ill of someone else, it could be that we have jealousy or covetousness in our heart.

he Bible is filled with many godly examples of those who have decided to place their faith in God, and had transformed lives as a result of their faith. As Pastor Ed continues his teaching series through the Book of James, he'll be explaining how Rahab the Harlot proved she had faith by how she helped out the Jews and concealed them. The only way we can truly know if we have saving faith, is by having evidence of a transformed life. The former things have passed away, and you become a new creation.

Have you allowed yourself to become an extension of Jesus to others? The main reason God has left you on this Earth now that you are saved, is to be used by the Lord as His hands, feet, as well as mouth. Today, Pastor Ed will be challenging us to use the spiritual gifts that the Lord has given us for His glory. As Christians, the main goal for our day, should always be that we are an extension of the love of Jesus and to bring others into His Kingdom.

Do you know what your purpose and calling is in this life? As Pastor Ed continues his teaching series through the Book of James, he'll be reminding us that we were created unto good works, that God preordained. We were created to serve the Lord, and to use the spiritual gifts that He has given us. The truth of the matter is that we can say we have faith all we want, but the demons believe in God yet they tremble and are bound for Hell. If we have faith that is alive, it will always result in good works.

The Apostle James was used by God to write this letter to the Churches so that we could be straightened out on a major theological doctrine. Today, Pastor Ed will be teaching us how salvation is only through the sacrifice of Jesus, but that when we truly have saving faith, it results in a transformed life. Our behavior should reflect what we believe! If we say we believe Jesus is coming again to this Earth to receive us into His Kingdom, we should be living a holy lifestyle in preparation for His return.

The reason God despises when we show favoritism is because the Lord Himself doesn't show favoritism! If God Almighty doesn't show partiality or favoritism to people, who are we to think that we can place labels on people and treat them more favorably then other people? We should be eternally grateful that the Lord doesn't show favoritism because He allowed salvation to come to the gentiles. If God showed favoritism, perhaps He would have only made a way for the Jews to be saved.

As Pastor Ed continues his teaching through the Book of James, he'll be exhorting us to not show favoritism to anyone. As a member of the same Body in Jesus, we are all leveled out on the same playing field, because we are all sinners in need of a Savior. There is no one that is greater than the other. The word favoritism in the Greek means: “To scan the face”, meaning that showing favoritism is when you look at the outward appearance and place a label on someone and treat them better or worse then another.