Jeff Stevens

Chad White shares a phenomenal message this week. A lesson in understanding our imperfection as sinners, but also, Christ's call for us to return to Him. The hope we have in Jesus motivates us to strive in Him!

There just is not one single verse in the Bible that tells people to persevere on their own. Conversely, we are called to persevere together. Rejoicing and enduring as the Body of Christ is an essential part of our walk. This lesson from James is rock solid support for the usefulness of the local church.

James gives a lesson to the church about dealing with the persecution they were experiencing from the wealthy and more powerful from within. But this lesson is not just applicable in the first century. It is a lesson about dealing with adversity for all of us. By looking at the story of Job, James helps us to understand how to be patient and persevere in the Lord!

James begins this portion of his letter by addressing the rich who are so self-indulgent that they are taking advantage of those who are of lesser means. Their evil ways are preparing them for their own slaughter. The Bible is very clear about the dangers of being rich. As believers, we should recognize that our needs are not met by earthly riches. It is God who meets our needs according to HIS riches!

James give us a lesson today about the reality of life being a vapor. The rebuke that he gives is about merchants focussed more on making money than the will of the Lord. But this is very applicable to our lives today. We need to put in perspective the reality that life is short; and we all need to focus on Jesus and what His will is for our lives.

James gets very serious with the church and the way that people are hedonistic and lustful. The wisdom that we seek from God leads us to be subject to Him and to draw near to HIM! This was not just a relevant lesson for the church in Jerusalem, it is a perfect message for the church today. Humble yourself!

In this study, James reveals the qualifications for wisdom from above. It is a wisdom that is revealed through good behavior and gentleness. But it is also pure and meek. Today we learn about the fruit of Godly wisdom. We need to pray that it permeates the entire Christian Church!

Every February, the Life Care Pregnancy Center in Carthage, NC, is invited to speak at this women's group. This year, I was asked if I would share my experiences as a men's mentor. Specifically, how can these ladies can get men more involved in the plight to save the unborn. This is another example of how we can be doers, not just hearers of the Word!

Chapter 3 of James reminds us of the importance of watching our tongues. Not only does the tongue lead a person to sinfulness, but it can be used to influence others as well. We must be careful what we say and how we say it. Let’s put our treasure in Christ, so that our hearts will be in Him and our words will pour out from His hope and love.

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!