Providence Church

Mark provides three parables. The first one tells of a ground that is chosen, cleared, furrowed, and planted. The next tells of the growth of God's word within. The Parable of the Mustard Seed is a figure of abnormal growth. the seed is planted abnormally in a field; and it grows abnormally into a tree; and abnormally it has devouring birds.

James looks to the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy to make his point. James then runs to the Ten Commandments referring to adultery and murder. Those who commit such acts he calls "a transgressor of the law." James condemns them saying, "so speak and do you." Condemningly he says, that's believers behaving like unbelievers.

Mark provides three parables. The first one tells of a ground that is chosen, cleared, furrowed, and planted. The next tells of the growth of God's word within. The Parable of the Mustard Seed is a figure of abnormal growth. the seed is planted abnormally in a field; and it grows abnormally into a tree; and abnormally it has devouring birds.

James looks to the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy to make his point. James then runs to the Ten Commandments referring to adultery and murder. Those who commit such acts he calls "a transgressor of the law." James condemns them saying, "so speak and do you." Condemningly he says, that's believers behaving like unbelievers.

Jesus compares spiritual growth to a seed buried in the earth. He concludes, ""he knows not how,"" meaning growth and fruit-bearing are a mystery. It's unseen and uncomprehended by mortal humanity. Spiritual growth is by God's own sovereign will. Yet, we can stunt it by neglect, as a slothful farmer neglects his plants (Hebrews 2:3). We can severely damage it by corrupting it. Spiritually, we can't mix grace and works, the gospel and the world.

Jesus compares spiritual growth to a seed buried in the earth. He concludes, "he knows not how," meaning growth and fruit-bearing are a mystery. It's unseen and uncomprehended by mortal humanity. Spiritual growth is by God's own sovereign will. Yet, we can stunt it by neglect, as a slothful farmer neglects his plants (Hebrews 2:3). We can severely damage it by corrupting it. Spiritually, we can't mix grace and works, the gospel and the world.

After a review of the introduction to James, this message focuses on two words. In chapter two, verse one we look at the word ""have."" It's a small Greek verb that means to practice as a habit of life. James links the believer's behavior to ""the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ."" In verse eight, we look at the word ""fulfill."" It's a verb meaning to complete or to perform. The two words declare that the faith without a gospel-conscience isn't the faith of Christ.

After a review of the introduction to James, this message focuses on two words. In chapter two, verse one we look at the word ""have."" It's a small Greek verb that means to practice as a habit of life. James links the believer's behavior to ""the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ."" In verse eight, we look at the word ""fulfill."" It's a verb meaning to complete or to perform. The two words declare that the faith without a gospel-conscience isn't the faith of Christ.

This message presents the crossing of paths by the Lord Jesus and Paul the apostle. About 27 years later Paul pens these words of personal testimony. So profound was the effect of seeing Christ that he endured lashings and beatings, stoning and shipwreck, long journeys and robbers, perils in the city and the wilderness. He experienced weariness and pain. He is imprisoned at least three times. Finally, he is beheaded. What moved him? Christ's resurrection.

This message presents the crossing of paths by the Lord Jesus and Paul the apostle. About 27 years later Paul pens these words of personal testimony. So profound was the effect of seeing Christ that he endured lashings and beatings, stoning and shipwreck, long journeys and robbers, perils in the city and the wilderness. He experienced weariness and pain. He is imprisoned at least three times. Finally, he is beheaded. What moved him? Christ's resurrection.