James previously addressed the power within the tongue to bring forth both blessings and curses. He continues by explaining that misuse of the tongue results in arrogance, jealousy, self centered desires and pride. Where selfish ambition lies, there enmity with God lies also. “Whoever wishes to be a friend of the world, makes himself an enemy of God.” Friendship with the world is empty in comparison to the fullness of Christ. We as believers must resist selfish ambition so that our faith would be authentic.

Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure , then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. A harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. The legacy of those who bring peace is a harvest of righteousness. We as believers must seek wisdom from above so that our faith would be authentic.

As a fig tree would not bear olives or a salt pond yield fresh water , neither would a believer produce both blessing to God yet curse his people. James makes it clear that within the tongue lies great power. We are believers must examine whether our tongue brings forth blessing or curses, so that our faith would be authentic.

James addresses the importance of impartiality and writes, "If you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture you shall love your neighbor as yourself" you are doing well. But if you show partiality you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. We as believers are called to remain impartial, showing love and mercy. How we treat others gives validity to authentic faith.

James addresses the importance of impartiality and writes, "If you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture you shall love your neighbor as yourself" you are doing well. But if you show partiality you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. We as believers are called to remain impartial, showing love and mercy. How we treat others gives validity to authentic faith.

James diverges from the significance of joy in trials and addresses the process of temptation. God is the author of trials, not the author of temptation. God is altogether good, pursuing only the best interest of his children. The byproduct of trials are designed to strengthen and perfect the christians faith allowing them to walk in a manner worthy of the gospel - in order that their lives would be a reflection of authentic faith.

From the book of James comes divine wisdom to guide and direct believers in a relentless pursuit of authentic faith. Testing within trials is designed to produce spiritual maturity resulting in Joy that abounds in midst of all circumstances.

Guest pastor, Andrew Reed walked us through what it means to "Send It" in full commitment for the sake of the mission.

Are you the mission, or are you on the mission?

Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Jesus himself said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

Nehemiah sets the premise for what it means to walk in humble submission to the will of God, always redirecting the glory back to the Father. Even though Nehemiah stood in the face of disunity, desperation, deception, and lies... he was loyal not to himself, but only to God.