In Paul's second letter to Timothy, we see the heart of a spiritual father pouring out his parting wisdom to his son in the faith. To Christ's church today, this precious letter plants our hearts in the glorious truth of the gospel. It encourages, inspires, corrects, and directs our hearts to Christ our hope at every turn. As I enter a season of extended leave due to health reasons, I pray this letter will become a treasured guide and encouragement to the church during our time apart.    

James concludes his epistle with a challenging call, reminiscent of Jesus' parable in Luke 15:1-7. As clearly as one can walk in the truth, one can wander from truth. What responsibilities do believers share in seeking after those who wander from truth? What are the repercussions if we fail in this task? What beauty awaits if we succeed? How does Christ's seeking us strengthen and equip us for this high and humble calling? 

In this extraordinary and heatedly debated passage, James challenges believers to pray boldly as individuals, leadership teams, and the church as a united covenant community in the name of Christ, in the power of Christ, and for the glory of Christ. 

James encourages the hearts of his audience toward patience by offering 3 practical examples of how we can learn to wait upon the Lord, trusting in His sovereign, compassionate, and mericiful purposes amidst our deepest suffering. 

In this section of the text, James levels sweeping judgements upon the rich guilty of persecuting poor believers. James echoes not only the prophets of old, but the teachings of Jesus with clarity and precision, challenging those to whom he is writing to forsake the trap of living for earthly treasure, while heeding the call of a Savior who beckons us to live in light of eternal treasure. 

Understanding the various ways that Scripture speaks of God's will is vital for discerning His purposes in your life and the life of the church. Having a space for these categories will build faith, clarify understanding, and help us grow deeper in God's wisdom from above. 

We need the wisdom of God before and after graduation. Nonetheless, we often feel the weight of life's changes during our most significant milestones. In this service, we commission our recent graduates, their families, and the church.

How did Paul model the truth found in James 4:13-17? How is his life an illustration of what it means to align our hearts to God's will and aims? 

How does James confront many of the prevailing attitudes of his day regarding submission to the will of the Lord? How does our planning expose the thing in which (or Whom) we truly trust? 

What do Paul, James, and Peter have in common? What happened to transform these men who once persecuted the Lord, rejected the Lord, and denied the Lord?