What do your choices, actions and lifestyle reveal about what’s truly at work in your heart? Does your faith in Jesus bubble up into practical acts of mercy and compassion? James challenges us to recognize that faith without action is like a body without breath. And he encourages us to forget yesterday’s mistakes and step into today’s opportunities to live the life that Jesus has created us to live.

James cautions that showing favouritism when newcomers visit the church is entirely incompatible with faith in Christ. To illustrate this, he argues that we should not discriminate between those who the world sees as "movers-and-shakers" and those it sees as "down-and-outers." This is not how God sees things. We are called to live according to a different standard, one that welcomes the powerful and poor on equal footing.

What kind of fruit is growing in our lives? And what does that say about our hearts? James elaborates on Jesus’ teaching, “A tree is known by its fruit,” by inviting us to look into the mirror and examine ourselves. Specifically, he challenges us to pay attention to our speech, our sin, our compassion and our humility.

In the previous passage, James challenged us to find joy in times of trial by asking God for his perspective and focusing on the good things that God can accomplish. James continues today by reminding us of a number of truths that are easy to forget but critical to remember in times of difficulty.

As James writes his letter, he opens with stunning words: “Consider it pure joy…when you face trials of many kinds.” This is certainly not the typical human response to times of difficulty! In the next few verses James identifies the powerful effect of facing trials with God’s perspective, and how to go about getting his perspective.

Walking through seven key scenes following the resurrection, we see relevant messages for our time. Jesus is alive, personally concerned with us, showing us truth, bringing us peace, and giving up purpose. He is risen, and this news changes everything!

Remembering our Lord's death and celebrating the Lord's supper together.

We live in a world characterized by suffering and by brokenness in our relationships with self, others, God, and creation. The narrative of scripture culminates with God setting everything right and inviting his people to dwell in a perfect City of Peace. This promise offers us hope amid today's struggles. But, as citizens of God's kingdom, we also are called to live out the "culture of heaven" in the here-and-now.

What is God doing in difficult times, and what does he ask of us? Near the beginning of the book of Revelation, Jesus speaks extensively to his church. In his words we hear reassurance, challenge, and a loving invitation to humbly return to relationship with him.

As followers of Jesus, we carry a hope that is deeper and longer lasting than any of the difficulties we run into in this world. But will we share it? In his letter to the Romans, Paul encourages his listeners to receive and to share the good news, reminding each of us that a person needs to hear the gospel before they can respond to it.