James 1 - 2

James 1:1-18 – Faith Revealed in Trials

The book of James was authored by James.  Who was James?  There are several people in scripture called James.  This James was the step-brother of Jesus.  James grew up with Jesus, but didn’t believe He was the Messiah until after His resurrection.  James became a leader of the church and served God.  He addressed this letter to Christians everywhere.  He wrote to teach Christians how to act like Christians.  He wanted to help believers live out their faith and to see life as a series of tests.  We are to consider it pure joy when we are faced with trials and temptations, because we know the results.  It produces patience, perseverance and grows our faith.  We know He is at work in our lives.  As Christians we endure exploitation and slander, because we are followers of Jesus.  We experience this because Jesus experienced it.

Why does God allow trials and suffering?  God has given us free will and the suffering is usually a result from the choices we make.  Sometimes God allows suffering to guide His children back to the right path when they have strayed.  Sometimes we suffer because of the sins of others.  Remember we do live in a fallen evil world.  We all suffer because man corrupted everything in God’s world when he sinned in the Garden of Eden.   Sometimes God allows suffering to increase a believer’s faith and show their witness to the world.  Some suffering is to bring glory to God.

What a perfect message at this time in our lives.  We are going through a huge trial today – the pandemic of the coronavirus.  A few weeks ago we were eating in restaurants, going to ball games and movies, shopping in the malls, children were going to school, and grocery store shelves were fully stocked.  Then the coronavirus happened.  Things are very different now.  We are isolated at home.  Some are working from home, doing homework from home, and some are out of work.  It’s a fearful time for many.  At last count the virus has made over 2,000,000 sick with over 162,000 deaths.  

How do we maintain our faith in such hard times?  James tells us to consider it pure joy when we go through trials, because of what can happen through the hardships in the end.  We’re not happy about what’s going on in our world right now.  But don’t confuse happiness with joy.  Joy is deeper than happiness and is based on how you think about something, not how you feel.

Do you what a faith that can bring you through your trial?  We all want a deep faith to get us through hard times.  We can’t have deep faith if we don’t go through trials and sufferings.  When you choose to endure the hardship, your faith grows deeper.  “So do not worry…. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness…. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matt. 6:31-34.  Trust God and He will bring you through it. 

Faith is proven real when we are tested.  How we live our lives shows our faith.  We think life should be fair, but hardships and trials come to everyone.  We should be joyful because of what we know.  God is developing us.  “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purposes.” – (Romans 8:28).  How does He use a trial to develop us? – moment by moment.  Running doesn’t eliminate the trial.  The only way is to go through it.

James said if we lack wisdom, we should ask God for wisdom.  When we pray we should believe and not doubt.  Is it sinful to doubt?  We are all human and we have doubts from time to time.  We can doubt what someone says and disagree with them.  Sometimes doubt can lead us to more study, knowledge and maturity.  The doubt that is a sin is when we don’t trust God and His promises.  We should surrender our will to God in trials.  Our belief is what keeps us stable.  When we doubt, we begin to get tossed around mentally and emotionally.  James calls this kind of person double-minded and unstable.

How much confidence do you have in God’s wisdom and goodness? 

When tempted, don’t say it’s God who tempted you.  God cannot tempt anyone and no one can tempt God.  We are tempted by our own evil desires.   We’re dragged away and enticed.  That desire gives birth to sin, which leads to death.  James said “don’t be deceived”.  All good and perfect gifts come from above from God.  He chose to give us birth through the Word of Truth. 

No one is exempt from temptation, but God never tempts.  Even Jesus was tempted.  There is temptation everywhere you look in this world.  We are tempted to gossip.  We are tempted to lie to make ourselves look good.  We are tempted to argue our political views.  We are tempted in many ways.  We live in a sexually immoral world.  Sex is portrayed everywhere – TV, movies, magazines, etc.  Couples are living together as if that was the way it was supposed to be – even Christians.  Babies are being born and then couples get married.  When we give in to temptation, we let Satan get a foothold and then we have sin in our lives.  America is giving in to Satan with our selfish and lustful desires and one day we as a nation will be sorry for His judgment is coming.  “For the wages of sin is death...” – (Romans 6:23). 

Where is your faith today?

How useful is your faith in temptation?  Trials reveal our true attitude toward God. 

Where are you on the surrender scale?

How can we avoid falling into sin?  We can stay away from places and situations where we might be tempted.  Send a message to Hollywood by not watching those “R” rated movies.  Stay in His Word and fix your eyes on Jesus.  We can use the full Armor of God. – (Eph. 6:10-18). 

Principle:  God’s purpose in all trials is to develop spiritual maturity.

James 1:19-27-2:1-13 – Faith Revealed in Attitude

James lists several ways a Christian should behave.  We should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.  Usually anger comes from being self-centered.  If we are eager to listen and slow to speak, we are others-centered.  Our anger simply promotes our own agenda.  Our anger doesn’t bring about the righteous life that God desires for us.  We should get rid of all moral filth and evil and humbly accept His Word planted in us.  We should watch our tongues.  Our tongues will get us into trouble every time. 

We are to not only be hearers of the Word, but be doers of the Word.  Many hear God’s Word on Sunday mornings at church, but they are not doers of the Word.  One way to be doers is to bridle the tongue.  James uses the example of someone who is religious, but is not really right with God which is evident because he doesn’t bridle his tongue. 

Do you gossip?

When was the last time you walked away when gossip started?

James says the real walk with God can be seen by looking after orphans and widows in times of their distress and to keep yourself from being polluted by the world.  Who are the orphans and widows and how do we help them?  They are the less fortunate and are all around us.  We can visit the sick and elderly, send them encouraging cards, mow their yard, run errands for them, take them to their appointments, etc.  We can donate money or give our time to organizations like Salvation Army, the Red Cross, food and clothing banks, etc.  There are many ways.  Just look around and you will find them.

How eager are you to hearing from God?

Do you study the Word out of habit or hunger? 

Do you accept God’s Word as authoritive living?

Ask yourself, “Am I living as a hypocrite”?

How has God placed in your heart the love for others? 

Has it changed you?

Who is on your mind that is lonely and thirsty for love?

James says we should not discriminate.  Don’t shun those who are different from you or whose appearances don’t live up to what you think they should.  God shows no favoritism.  “But if you show favoritism, you sin …” – (James 2:9).  None of us are perfect.  We are human and we all break the 10 Commandments.  There’s nothing we can do on our own to make up for it.  But Jesus did.  He died on the cross for everyone.  He paid for our sins, which make us perfect in God’s eyes.

The poor man may not have earthly riches, but if he is a believer he has something greater than he could ever imagine.  He is an heir of God.  One who has Christ has all the spiritual blessings of Heaven for eternity.  The rich man (if unsaved), has only his worldly riches to hold to.  So if rich or poor, we are equal.  God does not look at our bank account.  He does not show favoritism by the clothes we wear or the company we keep.  The rich are not any higher, because of their riches.  It’s all going to fade away anyway.  If we are Christians, we all have the wealth of salvation, which is an eternal value.  Worldly things are not eternal.  God had chosen the poor, but not because there is a benefit to being poor.  Here in this James passage the poor are a class of humble people who put their trust in God.  They depend on Him, not on things they own.  God chose rich and poor people who trust in Him.  They all have a place in the kingdom of God. 

We are to keep the royal law which is, “Love your neighbor as yourselves” – James 2:8, Matt. 22:39, Mark 12:31.  It is the royal law because it comes from our great King Jesus.  If we keep this law we are doing right, but if we show favoritism we sin.  Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who hasn’t been merciful.  Mercy triumphs over judgment. (James 2:8-13).

Principle:   Authentic faith produces genuine love for others.

James 2:14-26 – Faith Revealed in Deeds.

James gave examples of both false faith and authentic faith.  False faith knows about saving faith, but is a stranger to living by it.  This faith in only an intellectual faith and is useless, but it has no value and produces no results.  Authentic faith is a complete faith with words and deeds working together.  Authentic faith lives in hearts born for obedient service that works in cooperation with the Spirit to please God.

Faith without action is not a saving faith.  Real faith produces action and changes your heart.  Our works (deeds) don’t save us, but faith without works is dead.  “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Eph. 2:8-9.  We might be a good person, but being good doesn’t count.  Being a good person or having faith without works does not bring salvation to a person.  Our deeds are the proof of our faith.  We have to do more than just believe.  Even the demons believe in Jesus.  We have to put our belief and faith into action like that of Abraham and Rahab.  They believed, had faith and followed with actions.  That’s true faith.  Works don’t save us.  Every believer knows God and that He died on the cross, but if we don’t fully surrender, we are lost, separated from God and destined to Hell for eternity.

James tells us there are three elements of true or saving faith: (1) The first element of faith is to believe – to embrace the basic teachings of Christ; (2) Then faith involves our response to what God has done - not only did Jesus die on the cross for all, but that He died for you and me; (3) Finally, faith involves trust or commitment - trust in His promises and commit to living to please Him.

Put all these elements together and faith means that you receive Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord and are committed to following Him.  Does this describe your life? 

Principle:  Authentic saving faith transforms our hearts to love and to serve like Christ.

How do people know you have committed your life to Jesus?

How are you displaying love to others?

Does your faith prove authentic love?

Do you struggle to live out what you believe? 

Join me here next week as we continue our study of the book of James  --  I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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Acts 27-28

Acts 27 – Ship Wrecked

Last time we saw Paul before King Agrippa who found that Paul had done nothing wrong and would have freed him if he hadn’t appealed to Caesar.  So Paul would now have to go to Rome.  Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius and they sailed for Rome.  Paul’s troubles never seem to stop.  While at sea a hurricane came about and they were in fear for their lives.  Here Luke gave details about the storm.  It showed that through this fearsome storm God is still sovereign.  God had promised that Paul would testify in Rome (Acts 23:22; 27:24).  Not even the powerful forces of nature would stop God’s plan.

Paul wasn’t like the other prisoners.  They were probably condemned criminals, but Paul had not been tried yet so he was given more freedom that the others.  While sailing, fierce winds began and Paul warned them is would become dangerous, but the centurion and the owner of the ship didn’t listen and they sailed on.  Then the hurricane happened which made everyone in a state of panic, but Paul was calm and showed practical leadership in the midst of the crisis.  He was a man of great faith and believed in God during this desperate situation. 

The men had gone a long time without food so Paul took charge.  He told them they should have taken his advice and then he urged them to eat.  He told them an angel of God whom he served spoke to him telling him he should not be afraid.  He had confidence in God and told the men, “So keep up your courage; men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.” – Acts 27:25.  Paul was instrumental in saving all 276 people on board the ship.  Paul was not ashamed to say he believed and had faith in God.  His unshakable confidence in God made him a leader even though he was a prisoner. 

Have you ever been embarrassed or ashamed to say you believe in God?

What is keeping you from telling others of your faith?

They spent two weeks in the terror of the great storm which was out of their control.  When things seem out of control, they are never out of God’s control.  God caused the boat to drift from the island of Cauda to Malta.  The sailors didn’t know where they were and had no control over their situation, but God knew exactly where they were.  When we are in scary situations, we need to trust in God’s care.

Paul never lost hope or his purpose.  He maintained his passion to spread the gospel and advance God’s kingdom by focusing on the promises of God.  He never lost his focus.

Where is your focus?

Is your focus on your plans or His?

Are you allowing Him to disrupt your plans or are you trying to squeeze Him into yours?

Principle:  God is sovereign over the storms of life.

What kind of faith do you have in the storms of life?

How committed are you?

How much do you trust God?

Have you given up on God?

Is life too much for you to bear?

Acts 28 – Promise Fulfilled

Paul began his trip as a prisoner, but became a leader and an encourager.  They became shipwrecked and had to swim to the island of Malta.  Again God provided.  He provided hospitality through the islanders on Malta.  They showed extraordinary kindness to the sailors. 

Paul made himself useful by gathering firewood for a fire.  There was a snake within the firewood that took hold of Paul’s hand.  The islanders thought Paul was a murderer and must have deserved punishment.  Paul shook his hand and the snake fell into the fire.  When he didn’t die from the snake bite they thought he was a god.  Paul had faced three life-threatening situations – the hurricane at sea, the shipwreck and now the snake, but God continued to protect him through it all.

While on the island Paul healed the father of Publius who was the chief official of the island.  Word spread across the island and many sick people came to Paul and were healed.  The islanders gave them lodging, gifts and supplies.  They stayed on the island for three months through the winter.  Luke never mentioned that Paul preached to the people on Malta, but knowing Paul I am sure he did.  Paul never missed an opportunity to tell others about Jesus.

After winter past Paul and the others continued their sail to Rome.  Some believers there had received Paul’s letter to the Romans a few years before and heard he was coming.  They traveled a long way to greet and honor him.  When Paul saw them, he thanked God and was encouraged.

Are you an encourager?

When and how have you encouraged someone?

Is there someone you need to encourage today?

In Rome Paul wasn’t treated like a normal prisoner.  He was allowed to live by himself with a soldier to guard him.  Now God’s promise was fulfilled – Paul would take the gospel to Rome.  The first thing he did was to call together the leaders of the Jews.  He explained about his arrest and that he was not guilty of any crime.  He explained that in Jerusalem they were ready and willing to release him.  He wanted them to know he was a prisoner because of his belief in Jesus.  But the Roman Jews hadn’t heard anything about Paul and had not received any letters about him.  I think the Jerusalem Jews knew their case against him was hopeless so they made no effort to send anything to the Jews in Rome confirming their case against him.

The Jews in Rome were interested in Paul’s views about Christianity so they set an appointment to meet with him.  Many came to his home and he spoke from morning to evening.  He taught about the kingdom of God.  He wanted them to understand the truth about Jesus Christ.  He quoted Isaiah 6:9-10.  Some didn’t believe, but some believed and trusted Jesus.  This is true today.  Many hear and believe, while others reject Jesus and don’t turn to God to be healed of their sin.  Paul never stopped sharing the gospel and neither should we.

If you are not a believer, what is keeping you from accepting Jesus?

Paul spent more than two years at Caesarea waiting for his case to be resolved and another two years waiting for his case to be heard before Caesar.  These two years weren’t wasted.  God never wastes our time, though we may waste it.  Paul was chained and under house arrest for two years preaching without hindrance.  Paul never gave up and continued to be a witness for God.  Chains couldn’t stop him.  Nothing can stop God.  He was committed to God and always obeyed Him.  Paul’s hands were chained, but the gospel is never chained!  The gospel continued to spread and it spread even more because Paul suffered. 

 

While in prison in Rome, Paul wrote Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  These are known as “the prison epistles”.  We are never told the final outcome of Paul’s trial.  It is believed he was eventually allowed to leave Rome.

 

God protected Paul through all his troubles by bringing the plot against him to light, by not allowing the crowd to kill him, by keeping him in prison where he was safe, saving him when shipwrecked, and allowing him to preach in chains without hindrance.  Paul demonstrated Christ-like traits during all his trials.  He was calm and trusted God during the storm.  He never stopped obeying God and witnessing for Jesus through messages before the people, the governors and kings.  He showed great courage and perseverance.  The only way he was able to do that was through faith and trust in God and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

God will protect you as He did Paul.  So put your faith and trust in Him.  Sometimes it may not seem He is there during your crisis, but He is.  He keeps His promises.  God will use trouble, waiting and the unexpected to show who He is. 

Do you realize that Paul’s effort and direction is why you and I know who Jesus is? 

The book of Acts comes to a sudden end, but this is not the end.  The good news about Jesus had spread in Jerusalem, to Judea, to Samaria and now to the ends of the earth.   Rome was the most important place in the empire and the most powerful at that time.  It’s no accident that Acts ends with Paul in the most important city in the world.  This was God’s plan.

Many books have been written about the history of the church telling the story of the good news about Jesus.  God has written the story on the hearts and minds of many people through the ages.  The Bible has been translated into many, many languages.  Many people have believed, but the story isn’t over.  There are still many people who need to hear, repent, and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.  You and I are writing the next story of Acts.  Our lives are to be about one thing – glorifying God.  He is the main emphasis of our story.

Principle:  We have an unstoppable God.

Join me here next week for our study of the book of James.   We have only a couple of weeks to go in this study of the Acts of the Apostles. --  I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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He Is Risen!

This week is a special week in history called Holy Week and tomorrow is Easter.  This week changed the world. 

Our Savior, Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem knowing He would die for us.  What a sacrifice that was.  He went willing obeying God’s will because He loves us so much.  He died on the cross on what we call Good Friday.  God said the penalty for sin is death.  This paid our debt to God giving all who believe in Him, eternal life in Christ Jesus.  “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8.  Then three days later He came back to life.  We call this the resurrection.  That was the first Easter.  Scriptures on His death, crucifixion, burial and resurrection are found in Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and John 19.

The world looks at Easter with egg hunts, brunches, baskets for the children.  We buy Easter flowers and Easter dresses.  More people attend church on Easter than any other Sunday.  This Easter is a little different because of the Coronavirus, but that doesn’t stop Easter.  Instead of celebrating at your church, celebrate and worship on your TV or online.  Invite others to listen too.  There are many options to choose from.  If they are not a Christian or a church goer, this is the Sunday they will probably say yes to your invitation.  Maybe they are just waiting for someone care and invite them.

Do we really stop and think how wonderful this day really is?  Without the resurrection we would just have another man-made dead religion.  Think on the meaning of this special day and attempt to stay in His presence.  Satan will do everything he can to distract you from its real meaning.  Don’t let the world trap you with meaningless things.

Jesus was despised and rejected.  We turned our backs on Him.  He was hated and we didn’t care.  Yet He still loves us and carried our weaknesses and sin.  Don’t crucify Him again.  Satan’s strategy has always been to distort the truth and separate us from God.  Don’t fall for it!  God’s redemption is simple.  He loves us and died for us.  All we have to do is repent, believe and trust Him; follow His example and be baptized; worship Him; honor Him and the devil will lose all his power over you.  There is no better time than now.  We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, especially now with so much sickness and death.

After He paid for the sin of the world, God’s righteous judgment was satisfied.  He arose victorious.  Death had no hold on Him.  Now, He offers everyone eternal life and perfect peace with God when you are willing to repent and believe in Him.  Have you done that yet?

We need Easter more than ever now.  God who calmed storms and silenced evil on that first Easter will calm the storms of this life.  How did Jesus endure the agony of the cross?  He endured by waiting and trusting.  He fixed His eyes on God and looked for the joy to come.  “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross….” – Hebrews 12:2  So in this uncertain time focus on Jesus.  When we focus on Him our troubles get smaller.  “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:18

If you are a Christian, death has no hold on you.  Jesus is coming again to take you to be with Him in glory forever.  On Easter morning shout Hallelujah!  He is risen!  He is risen indeed!

Jesus said, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on His throne.” – Revelation 3: 20-21

Jesus changed the world.  Let Him change your life!

Happy Easter!  I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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