This famous passage is one that is used to attempt to show that a person must do certain things in their faith in order to be saved. By following certain ordinances or practices, that a person earns favor with God or participates in their salvation. But the context of this passage is essential. Faith without works is dead, but faith is also a free gift from God and paid for in full by Christ Jesus!

James will continue on the theme of being doers of the word, not just hearers. And in this case, not paying special attention to some in the church, while setting others aside. This important message should motivate all of us to realize that no matter what our background is, or our place in culture, we all need a Savior just the same. In the church, we do not play favorites...

The message that James brings to believers starts to get more and more challenging as we dive into the text. In this case, James tells us to be doers and not just hearers of the word. Realizing the great work that Jesus has done in us, as we put off the old and put on Christ, helps us to understand what it means to be 'doers of the word.'

James encourages believers to ask God for wisdom. And that God will give wisdom 'generously and without reproach.' Walking through trials, growing in wisdom, boasting in the Lord or humbling ourselves; these are all a part of how the Lord is bringing us forth as His first fruits. In this lesson we learn not to be carried away by our own desires, but to go first to God for the wisdom to persevere!

James is a great book to study as a means of helping us to understand our response to a Holy God through our works. This study begins with an introduction, then moves into the first 4 verses. James sets the stage for his letter by making us understand that we must face trials with joy! Why? Because these trials are perfecting us, so that we will lack nothing!

The last message of the Christmas season has us looking at the magi who come from the east to find the King of the Jews. There is a lot of speculation about their origin, the timing of the visit or even the nature of the gifts they brought. But one thing is certain, they came for one reason, to worship the King of Kings! This is worship fit for a King!

This week we look at the Christmas story from the perspective of the Apostle Matthew. Matthew records the dream that Joseph has where he is told to keep his wife and raise her child and to name him Jesus. We are told that his is all in fulfillment of the Scriptures and that this child will be called, "Immanuel!" This amazing Christmas story reminds us of two important points: we can rely on Scripture and that our God is with us!

Luke 2 reveals to us that the shepherds who were first to hear of the coming of Jesus, responded to that news. What did they do when they heard of the coming Messiah? What did they do when they finally saw the Messiah in that manger with Mary and Joseph? We can most certainly learn something from the response of these shepherds on that first Christmas!

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote the famous poem and now Christmas song, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." This Civil War era poem draws from the first ever song sung by the angels at the birth of Jesus Christ. This beautiful carol should remind us that in the midst of our Christmas celebrations, we are not just filled with joy for the coming of a baby, but for the coming of the Prince of Peace, with whom the Father is pleased!

T-shirts, hats, and mugs are all plastered with these sayings that turn Jesus into a punchline. Jesus is most certainly our friend, but He is not our homeboy. Today we will examine Hebrews 1:1-3 to gain some insight on the qualities that Jesus possesses.