Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.

Still in Chapter 1.

We dig into the next section of James 1.

Thomas and Jessica start the studying a book of the Bible. Join them in this first episode as they discuss the context and history of the book of James.

Evangelical Christianity is built on six foundational beliefs that unite believers across denominations. These include the authority of the Bible as God's Word, salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone, the Trinity (God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), the Great Commission to make disciples, the Second Coming of Christ, and the reality of sin and redemption. While interpretations may vary on specific details, these core beliefs form the essential framework of evangelical faith, guiding believers in their understanding of God, salvation, and their mission in the world.

The foundational doctrines of evangelical Christianity include the authority of Scripture as God's inerrant word, salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone, and the Trinity—one God in three persons. For our salvation to be valid, Jesus had to be both fully God and fully human, yet without sin. These core beliefs aren't just theological concepts but affect how we worship, live, and engage with others. Without a solid understanding of these fundamentals, believers can easily be led astray by false teachings that contradict authentic Christianity.

Fear is essentially submitting to something and giving it authority over your life. The Bible distinguishes between two types of fear: respectful submission to God's authority (positive) and terror or dread (negative). Our tendency toward fear began in Eden when Adam and Eve gained knowledge they weren't prepared to handle. Romans 8:15 reveals that fear is a form of slavery, but through adoption as God's children, we can experience freedom from fear. Overcoming fear requires daily choices like focusing on God's provision, remembering our eternal perspective, taking action rather than dwelling in fear, and persistently praying even when it feels ineffective.

Fear first entered the world after Adam and Eve's disobedience, stemming from separation from God and knowledge they weren't prepared to handle. Throughout Scripture, fear often drives poor decision-making, blame-shifting, and self-preservation at all costs. The Bible presents a fundamental choice between fearing people, which traps us, or trusting God, which brings security. God doesn't condemn us for experiencing fear but cares about how we respond to it. The good news is that God's covenant promises don't depend on our perfection but on His faithfulness, allowing us to face our fears with faith.

Fear is a complex emotion that can be both protective and harmful. While healthy fear keeps us safe, chronic anxiety plagues our modern world due to constant pressures and negative media. The Bible distinguishes between reverent fear of God, which leads to wisdom, and terrorizing fear, which we're told to avoid. Like sheep with a shepherd, we find peace by staying close to God, who doesn't always remove our fears but promises to be with us through them. By identifying our fears, examining their sources, and bringing them to God, we can develop a healthier relationship with fear.

This wraps up our series on the Armor of God.