Envy is a sin that drives our lives more than we often realize, and it is destructive. Thankfully Scripture provides us with cures so we can live lives of love.

Moses threw a log into the bitter water at Marah to heal it. Why a log? This log, also translated as tree, would be a type of the ultimate tree that God would use to heal his people.

The sovereignty of God is a doctrine that can be difficult to embrace at first, but over time it will bring the Christian tremendous comfort and confidence in a world of apparent chaos and anarchy. In this message we address the extent of sovereignty, the objection to sovereignty, and the implications of sovereignty.

James 4:1-10

Jesus came to call sinners to repentance. When even one sinner repents, Jesus told us that there is joy in heaven, joy before the angels of God (Lk. 15:7, 10). Every time we genuinely repent of our sin, this brings God joy. "[A] broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise" (Ps. 51:17).

Friendships make us vulnerable to possible hurt or betrayal. Yet God says that it is not good for man to be alone. Scripture shows us how we can be a good friend, as well as the characteristics we should look for in a friend. In the end, the blessings of friendship far outweighs the pain that we will experience from time to time.

Anger is an appropriate expression of love and justice. Nevertheless, it is an emotion that can quickly go bad. Ungodly anger that flows out of of wrongs committed against us should be turned over to God and left to his anger that will righteously judge it. This frees us to forgive and love our enemies.

Self-exaltation is seen when we compare ourselves to others and boast about our achievements; humility is demonstrated when we cry out to God for mercy due to our sinfulness. And as Jesus explained in the conclusion to the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector: "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted" (v. 14).

It was pride that resulted in man being under the curse of God, and experiencing the forfeiture of paradise and communion with his God. What will redeem him from the curse, and restore paradise and communion with God? Humility. The humility of God in the person of Jesus Christ.