We all have certain expectations when we go to church. We rely on our pastor for a lot of those expectations. But we also need to consider what our pastor desires of us! That's what pastor Jim will discuss again today, as we open our bibles to First Thessalonians chapter three.

Here in 2025, pastor Jim has seen a need for sound biblical counsel in a variety of areas, and so we will address many of those needs over the next several weeks. Today we'll turn to Second Thessalonians three, as Jim shares about what a pastor desires from his people. Often times we concentrate on what we want from the pastor, but have you thought about what he needs from you?

Today marks the end of a profitable journey through James. In just a moment we'll meet up with pastor Jim Jarrett in chapter five, and we'll focus on the last two verses. We could sum it up these closing verses with one word… "Restoration." You see, when we wander away from the truth, the Lord's deep desire is to restore us. Maybe you've strayed a bit in your walk with the Lord. Today can be your day to get back on the right path.

You can probably think of someone in your circle of friends, or maybe even a family member, who has wandered away from the Lord. Maybe you're wondering if there's anything you can do to help? Today's study will really serve to help us with that. God's great desire is to restore those who stray, and that should be our heart's desire too.

Sadly, many of today's politicians lack that vital attribute - integrity. Many of them simply don't display the sort of integrity we've come to expect. And truth be told, integrity is lacking in many other areas than just politics. Today on Growing in the Word we're encouraged toward a life of honesty and integrity… in all that we say and do.

As we mentioned at the beginning of this series, James is one of the most practical books in the Bible. It speaks of taming the tongue, the importance of putting our faith into real action, and dealing with the hardships of life. When we suffer we so often ask God to take the pain away! But the Lord has something greater in view, than our comfort. He wants to conform us into the image of Christ!

Jim Jarrett is our Bible teacher, and if you were with us last time, you'll recall Jim mentioning that this section of scripture is controversial and often-times misinterpreted. Is James saying God will heal every affliction, as long as we pray for that healing? We join pastor Jim now in chapter five of James, where we'll pay close attention to verses thirteen through eighteen.

Many who look at James chapter five, misinterpret what the author is truly saying. James tells the sick person to call for the elders, and let them pray over him or her and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. Then he goes on to say that the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick. Does this mean that God will heal everyone who prays with faith? A good question, and Pastor Jim Jarrett will have an answer in just a moment as we return to our study of James here on this edition of Growing in the Word.

Prayer for the afflicted will be the central theme of today's message. We all know someone who is going through physical illness right now. Does praying for them really do any good? Will God automatically heal anyone we pray for? These are questions we have all asked at one time or another.

As we continue pastor Jim Jarrett's series through James today, we turn to chapter five, where James has some very important words to say about prayer. Now, prayer should be a part of every Christian's life, but too many of us simply don't understand the power we have available to us through prayer. Praying for the afflicted will be the focus today.