http://bible.com/events/48767064

James and the Trials of Life
God is with us on this journey. We believe, for such a time as this, He has called us.

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1:15-16‬‬
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

The following passage is really an introduction to the entire book of James. He will revisit the topic of trials, testing, perseverance and maturity throughout. We will see these ideas again on our journey through James.

‭‭James‬ ‭1:1-4‬‬
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Happiness is causal
Joy is cultivated

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1:6-7‬‬
In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:1-2‬‬
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

We are tried
To prove our faith true

We are refined
To truly reflect Him

‭‭John‬ ‭16:33‬‬
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Other resources for further study:

2 Corinthians 4:7-11
Psalm 24:3-5
Romans 12:12

Faith upholds a Christian under all trials, by assuring him that every painful dispensation is under the direction of his Lord; that chastisements are a token of His love; that the season, measure, and continuance of his sufferings, are appointed by Infinite Wisdom, and designed to work for his everlasting good; and that grace and strength shall be afforded him, according to his need.
—John Newton

James in 8 Minutes
This overview video on the book of James breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. In this book, James combines the wisdom of his brother Jesus with the book of Proverbs in his own challenging call to live a life wholly devoted to God.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn-hLHWwRYY

http://bible.com/events/48761539

James: The Man and the Book

God is with us on this journey. We believe, for such a time as this, He has called us.

Today we start something that’s unprecedented for us. Today we begin a study in the book of James that will carry us through the end of 2021 and beyond.

Why James?

Relationship – James was Jesus’ half-brother. He was a literal witness, not just of Jesus’ public ministry, but of his life. Influence – After Jesus’ death and resurrection, James’ life was transformed. He became the leader of the church is Jerusalem, the first Christian community ever.

Timing – The book of James is believed to be the first written book of the New Testament canon. It is the first existing Christian writing of any kind that we know about.

Purpose – The book is practical, not especially focused on the theological roots of why we believe, but rather an emphasis on action and obedience in response to what we believe.

There is a clear connection between the book of James and the words of Jesus. Consider just a few examples from James and the Sermon on the Mount:-“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” (James 1:2) & “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)-“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:4) & “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)- “…you have not because you ask not.” (James 4:2) & “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)

Why this approach?

It will challenge us. It will force us to slow down. It will cause us to dig deeper.

What is essential for each one of us as we prepare for this journey? Faith that is willing to persevere.

James 1:22NIV

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Throughout this journey, we are going to come face to face with God’s truth. And each and every time, we will be faced with an important decision: Am I going to do what it says? If, according to James, we should be “doers of the word” rather than just hearers, what does my doing look like? Am I even doing anything?

Other resources for further study:

James in 8 Minutes

This overview video on the book of James breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. In this book, James combines the wisdom of his brother Jesus with the book of Proverbs in his own challenging call to live a life wholly devoted to God.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn-hLHWwRYY

Echoes of the Sermon on the Mount in the Book of James https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/echoes-of-the-sermon-on-the-mount-in-the-book-of-james/

http://bible.com/events/48757066

It’s All in Your Mind: Thinking Straight

If your mind believes anything you tell it….what are you telling it?

Missed week 2 of the series?

Check out last week’s message as Pastor Adrian shares the truth of how we ‘take every thought captive’ in the battle of the mind.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9nVXaE330I

Maybe you find yourself praying, “Lord, change my circumstances”. Maybe you find yourself praying, “Lord, change my actions”. Maybe you find yourself praying, “Lord, change my heart”.
But over these last few weeks, we are learning that the most important prayer we can pray is this:” Lord, change my mind”.

Last week we focused on what NOT to think.
This week we will lean into this question: So what SHOULD we think about?

Philippians 4:4-9NIV

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

As we choose to rejoice and as we choose not to be anxious, we experience the peace of God. It’s not our version of peace, but rather it will be His peace.-In the battle of the mind, Paul commands the church to dwell on these specific things.-Paul moves from thought (‘think on such things’) to action (‘put it into practice’), and then to experience (‘God of peace will be with you’).

“Your mind always believes everything you tell it.” Anonymous
So, what are you telling it?

Isaiah 26:3NIV

3 You will keep in perfect peacethose whose minds are steadfast,because they trust in you.

A declaration to dwell upon:
I am a child of God, created and saved by Him.

Jesus did for me what no one else could do – providing my forever life in Heaven by faith through His death and resurrection. It doesn’t matter what I see in my circumstances, I will trust Him. I will hope, because I am His. Worry is not my master. Fear will not rule me. My enemy wants to bury me under a mountain of lies. He will not. God’s Word is truth .I will fix my mind on Him, the one most lovely, noble and beautiful. I will not focus on myself but on loving every one around me daily. I need Him so desperately and He will be faithful. I believe.