James: Faith Works!

Beginning this Sunday, August 19, 2012 I will be bringing a series of messages from the book of James. This immensely practical book has much to say to believers who are serious about living out the teachings of Jesus in everyday life. Perhaps Jame's theme may be summed up in his sharp demand: "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only" (1:22). Genuine faith works.


Invite a friend to join us for worship. This week's message, "Turning Your Trials into Triumphs," is based on James 1:1-18.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

James 1:1-18 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

James 1:1-18

Greeting

1 James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ:

To the 12 tribes in the Dispersion.
Greetings.

Trials and Maturity

² Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. ⁴ But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
⁵ Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him. ⁶ But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ An indecisive man is unstable in all his ways.
⁹ The brother of humble circumstances should boast in his exaltation, ¹⁰ but the one who is rich should boast in his humiliation because he will pass away like a flower of the field. ¹¹ For the sun rises with its scorching heat and dries up the grass; its flower falls off, and its beautiful appearance is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will wither away while pursuing his activities.
¹² A man who endures trials^] is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
¹³ No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God.” For God is not tempted by evil,  and He Himself doesn’t tempt anyone. ¹⁴ But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. ¹⁵ Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.
¹⁶ Don’t be deceived, my dearly loved brothers. ¹⁷ Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning. ¹⁸ By His own choice, He gave us a new birth by the message of truth so that we would be the firstfruits of His creatures.