Part 1 – SERIES: Jude - Contend

Pastor Dan and Pastor Kirk begin a short series through the book of Jude this week and contending for our faith. Faithfully contending for the faith demands a godly perspective. This requires us to focus on our true position. We are called, loved, and kept by God. We must also focus on true faith. We contend for the doctrine of God, the authority of Scripture, and the truth of the Gospel. Finally we must focus on our true enemy. Our true enemy is not the world nor those who doubt.

Part 13 – SERIES: James - Faith In Motion

We wrap up the book of James this week. Pastor Josh gives a review of the entire letter, then unpacks the closing two verses. James is very concerned that we live out our faith, that we put it in motion. In the closing verses he turns our attention toward helping each other in the church live out their faith and be faithful to Jesus. When someone in the church wanders from the truth, others must go after them to bring them back and save them from death.

Part 12 – SERIES: James - Faith In Motion

In chapter 5 verse 7, James shifts gears into a more pastoral tone and gives some instruction on how to handle suffering. Christians are not immune from suffering, rather we can expect it due to our faith. But no suffering is without a purpose as God can sovereignly use all of it to make us more like Jesus Christ. So when you are suffering be patient, remain steadfast, trust the Lord, and pray!

Part 11 – SERIES: James - Faith In Motion

While we tend to only think of two categories of people was it relates to wealth (rich and poor), the Bible actually speaks of four: 1) Godly Poor, 2) Godly Rich, 3) Ungodly Poor, 4) Ungodly Rich. God doesn’t care about your net worth, but he does care about how you get it and what you do with it. As Randy Alcorn says, “You can’t take your wealth with you when you die, but you can send it on ahead.” God isn’t against you having riches, he’s against you misusing them. James addresses people who are misusing them in 3 ways: hoarding them, cheating others, and living in self-indulgence. The key to honoring God with your wealth is to keep Jesus at the center of everything in your life.

Part 10 – SERIES: James - Faith In Motion

In James 4:13-17, James is confronting our natural tendency to handle life as if God really doesn't even exists. In these four verses James emphasizes what we should not say and do as well as what we should say and do in light of our future. He challenges us to not live like christian atheists.

Part 9 – SERIES: James - Faith In Motion

In James 4:11-12 James addresses the issue of speaking evil against other believers. When I speak against others, I speak against God's Word... And when I speak against God's Word, I speak against God... and I put myself in the place of God. Instead I must be humble and know my place. We ended the message by looking at six keys to discerning and judging appropriately and not be judgmental.

Part 8 – SERIES: James - Faith In Motion

In 4:1-10 James challenges us to quit "cheating on God". He makes it very clear that the problem isn't from without, or with other people, the problem is us. It's the sin and pride within us. Using some strong language, James tells us we must quit "cheating on God" and committing spiritual adultery. Ezekiel 16 and all of Hosea teach the same thing vividly in the Old Testament, and it's likely that James had Scriptures like these in mind as he was writing. Instead we must humble ourselves before the Lord. To be humble means "to know your place". We also briefly discussed how Christians should engage with culture through the filter of "receive, reject, or redeem".

Part 7 – SERIES: James - Faith In Motion

James 3:13-18 marks the hinge point of the entire book of James. It's here that we find James' main argument. There are two types of wisdom. Wisdom #1 is from below and is earthly, unspiritual, demonic, jealous, selfish, and vile. Wisdom #2 is from above and is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy, full of good fruits, impartial, sincere, righteous. Godly wisdom is characterized by meekness (strength under control) and is sourced in five places: 1) Reverence for God; 2) Conversion to Christ; 3) Scripture; 4) Prayer; 5) the Holy Spirit.

Part 6 – SERIES: James - Faith In Motion

The tongue may be small, but it wields incredible power — both for life and death. James makes clear that the tongue isn't the problem, it's the heart of the person the tongue belongs to. All the tongue does is reveal the heart. Because of this it is small but power, a savage monster, and an impossible mixture of good and evil. The big question to consider is what does your tongue reveal about your heart?

Part 5 – SERIES: James - Faith In Motion

James 2:14-26 can be one of the most misunderstood and troubling passages in the New Testament. Some see a contradiction with Paul's writings, but nothing is further from the truth. James's main point in 2:14-26 is that faith that isn't shown isn't really known. In other words, true biblical faith results in good works. Faith without works is dead. True faith can and must be shown. These good works do not save you, rather they prove you. The first deed of faith is repentance. How are you stepping out in faith?