Let Us Draw Near
Hebrews 10:19-25
I. Let us draw near to God
II. Let us hold fast
III. Let us consider how to stir up on another to love and good works
Let Us Draw Near
Hebrews 10:19-25
I. Let us draw near to God
II. Let us hold fast
III. Let us consider how to stir up on another to love and good works
Authentic Faith & Speech
James 3:1-12
OUR SPEECH WILL BE JUDGED
OUR SPEECH HAS INCREDIBLE POWER FOR GOOD OR BAD
OUR SPEECH IS INCREDIBLY HARD TO CONTROL DUE TO SIN
OUR SPEECH REVEALS OUR NEED FOR A NEW HEART
Authentic Faith & Speech
James 3:1-12
OUR SPEECH WILL BE JUDGED
OUR SPEECH HAS INCREDIBLE POWER FOR GOOD OR BAD
OUR SPEECH IS INCREDIBLY HARD TO CONTROL DUE TO SIN
OUR SPEECH REVEALS OUR NEED FOR A NEW HEART
Living Hope through the Resurrection1 Peter 1 :3-9
I. THE RESULTS OF THE RESURRECTION FOR US
A. Because of the Resurrection there is salvation
B. Because of the Resurrection there is living hope
C. Because of the Resurrection there is a future inheritance
D. Because of the Resurrection there is security for believers
II. THE RESULTS OF THE RESURRECTION IN US
A. Because of the Resurrection we persevere in trials with joy
B. Because of the Resurrection we love Jesus by faith
C. Because of the Resurrection we worship
Living Hope through the Resurrection
1 Peter 1 :3-9
I. THE RESULTS OF THE RESURRECTION FOR US
A. Because of the Resurrection there is salvation
B. Because of the Resurrection there is living hope
C. Because of the Resurrection there is a future inheritance
D. Because of the Resurrection there is security for believers
II. THE RESULTS OF THE RESURRECTION IN US
A. Because of the Resurrection we persevere in trials with joy
B. Because of the Resurrection we love Jesus by faith
C. Because of the Resurrection we worship
Authentic Faith and Works
James 2:14-26
FAITH WITHOUT WORK IS USELESS, UNPROFITABLE, & UNABLE TO SAVE
LOVE, JUST LIKE FAITH, WITHOUT BEING SHOWN IS GOOD FOR NOTHING
SAYING YOU HAVE FAITH WITHOUT EVIDENCE OF THAT FAITH IS USELESS CHATTER
AUTHENTIC FAITH IS ALWAYS ACCOMPANIED BY WORKS IN THE BIBLE
Authentic Faith and Works
James 2:14-26
FAITH WITHOUT WORK IS USELESS, UNPROFITABLE, & UNABLE TO SAVE
LOVE, JUST LIKE FAITH, WITHOUT BEING SHOWN IS GOOD FOR NOTHING
SAYING YOU HAVE FAITH WITHOUT EVIDENCE OF THAT FAITH IS USELESS CHATTER
AUTHENTIC FAITH IS ALWAYS ACCOMPANIED BY WORKS IN THE BIBLE
The Gospel and Partiality
James 2:1-13
AUTHENTIC FAITH IS INCONSISTENT WITH PARTIALITY
GOD SAVES IMPARTIALLY ACCORDING TO HIS OWN GRACE AND PURPOSES
AUTHENTIC FAITH IS INCONSISTENT WITH PARTIAL OBEDIENCE
The Gospel and Partiality
James 2:1-13
AUTHENTIC FAITH IS INCONSISTENT WITH PARTIALITY
GOD SAVES IMPARTIALLY ACCORDING TO HIS OWN GRACE AND PURPOSES
AUTHENTIC FAITH IS INCONSISTENT WITH PARTIAL OBEDIENCE
“Settled Truth in Unsettled Times”
Ecclesiastes 1:1-11
I. OUR WORLD IS BROKEN
II. GOD IS SOVEREIGN
A. God reigns and rules over all things large and small.
B. All things exist for God’s glory and purposes - even viruses.
C. God controls all of history.
D. God is in control of our personal stories.
III. JESUS ALONE WILL MAKE ALL THINGS NEW
TWO APPLICATIONS:
1. No matter the circumstance, God’s mission doesn’t change
2. The Church will endure.
Evidences of Spiritual Maturity and Wisdom Part 2
James 1:21-27
III. EVIDENCE 3: HOW WE OBEY THE WORD OF GOD
IV. EVIDENCE 4: HOW WE DIRECT AND CONTROL OUR SPEECH
V. EVIDENCE 5: HOW WE DEMONSTRATE COMPASSION TOWARD THE MOST VULNERABLE
VI. EVIDENCE 6: HOW WE LIVE UNSTAINED FROM THE WORLD
Evidences of Spiritual Maturity and Wisdom
James 1:19-21
I. EVIDENCE 1: HOW WE LISTEN, SPEAK, AND CONTROL OUR EMOTIONS
II. EVIDENCE 2: HOW WE RECEIVE THE WORD OF GOD
A. Receiving the Word with meekness
B. Receiving the Word with a prepared heart
C. Receiving the Word for what it is and what it does
God’s Wisdom in Temptation Part 2
James 1:16-18
I. THE TEMPTATION TO MISBELIEF ABOUT GOD
II. TRUTH IS THE ONLY REMEDY FOR DECEPTION AND MISBELIEF
A. God is absolutely good
B. God only gives good gifts
C. God is our Father
D. Our Father never changes
III. THE GOSPEL PROVES THE GOODNESS OF GOD
God’s Wisdom in Temptation
James 1:12-15
I. EVERYONE FACES TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS
II. GOD TEMPTS NO ONE TO SIN
III. HOW DOES TEMPTATION HAPPEN IN OUR LIVES?
A. Desire
B. Deception
C. Decision
D. Death
God’s Wisdom in Poverty or Riches”
James 1:9-12
I. LET THE POOR BOAST IN HIS HIGH PLACE IN CHRIST
II. LET THE RICH BOAST IN HIS LOWLINESS BEFORE CHRIST
III. GOD’S BLESSING AND REWARD COME TO ALL WHO PERSEVERE UNDER TRIAL
Wisdom, Maturity, & Faith
James 1:5-8
I. YOU NEED GOD’S WISDOM TO ENDURE TRIALS PROPERLY
II. GOD IS WAITING AND WILLING TO GIVE IT
III. YOU MUST ASK FOR GOD’S WISDOM IN FAITH
Persevering in Joy
James 1:1-4
I. LIVE FROM YOUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST
II. TRUST GOD’S PURPOSES IN YOUR TRIALS
A. Trials are meant to purify and refine our faith
B. Trials are meant to produce steadfastness in our lives
C. Trials are meant to grow us in maturity
D. Trials are meant to provide opportunities for us to find joy in Christ
How the Mighty Have Fallen Part 2
2 Samuel 1:1-27
I. THE PRINCIPLE OF FEARING THE LORD
II. THE PRIORITY OF GRIEVING
A. Grief in light of God’s honor
B. Grief in light of remembrance
C. Grief in light of gratitude
D. Grief in light of love