Jesus gathered His disciples for the Passover, hours before the cross. That night, Jesus would give them, and us, a new commandment, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” [Jn. 13:34-35]. What does it mean to love one another as Jesus loves? What difference does it make?

When Jesus was asked, which is the greatest commandment, Jesus replied, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment.39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” How can you grow in your love for God so that you love Him with all your heart, soul, and mind? How can you know if you are growing in love for God, and what difference does it make? Let’s discover together ...

We are the Church, the body of Christ, and we are called by God to live in community with other followers of Jesus. In Acts chapter two we see a prescription for how church community should operate. We see the First-Century Church engaging one another in a way that causes others to be curious. What would it look like if the modern Church adopted this first-century prescription?

James, was nicknamed “camel knees” because of the callouses on his knees from countless hours of prayer. James was a man dedicated to prayer, who knew the significance of passionate prayer by a person who is yielded to Jesus. Seven times in these few verses, James refers to prayer. Let’s discover together the connection between prayer and restoration, and the benefits are likely better than you expect…

Your attitude about money reveals your attitude towards God. James cries out against using wealth for self-indulgence and luxury. The failure to use resources to advance God’s kingdom, relieve suffering, and honor God reveals a lack of faith and spiritual maturity. Genuine faith in Christ is revealed by attitudes that trust God, and actions that honor God with your money.
Someone might have a distrust of institutions generally, or the Church specifically. If that is the case, ask questions. You’re likely to get very reasonable answers. However, don’t use a claimed distrust of institutions as a smokescreen for not trusting nor honoring God.

Every day each of us makes decisions, choices, and plans for our lives. Some are minor,
like what restaurant to go to for lunch. Others are major: whom to marry, which house to buy, what job to take. Oftentimes, regardless of the scope of the decision, we neglect to consult God to determine His will. Living life without considering God’s will is choosing to be in charge of our own lives, and is essentially placing ourselves in His role. Instead, we should seek and submit to God‘s will in every circumstance, knowing that it is always best.

Judgement is a controversial topic, both inside and outside the church. Thankfully, our Lord Jesus taught much regarding the subject of judgement, including how to experience freedom from and overcome it. James contributes to His teachings by instructing all believers to rid themselves of self-righteous judgement in light of God and who we are before Him.

God stirs us to want to draw closer to Him, and discover what we really want and need in this life and the life to come. The key to drawing close is to believe (faith), and humility (a proper view of God and ourselves). Let’s discover how to experience unity with God

If you could ask God for anything, what would it be? When Solomon, King David’s son, became king, God offered him anything he wanted. Solomon asked for wisdom. God was pleased that Solomon sought wisdom rather than riches, fame, or glory, and Solomon enjoyed God’s abundant blessings [1Ki. 3]. Solomon understood that God’s wisdom truly is better than gold [Prov. 16:6]. So, where can you discover true wisdom that will yield guidance and contentment in your life?

Words empower, encourage, edify, but can also cut, crush, and discourage. Words reflect how we see life, what is in our heart, who we represent, and spiritual maturity. There are three precious commodities that you can’t get back: time, opportunities, and spoken words. Let’s learn the importance of words, how to glorify God, and bless others with our words…