Authenticity Part 2
We close out our study in James with James giving the final word on authentic Christianity. This section of Scripture provides with a clear understanding of what the lifestyle of a Biblical follower of Christ is going to look like. Last time, we saw James tell the first two markers of authenticity were endurance and a commitment to keep one’s word. Join us now as see what the final two markers are.
Having Hope in a Hostile World
As we begin our study in 1 Peter, the Apostle is writing to those who have experienced suffering. When suffering comes we often times lose our perspective on who we are. Join us as we are reminded who we are in Christ.
The Central Dogma of Christianity
In Church life we find many things that we can disagree on that are not central to the Faith. In such cases, we agree to disagree, and we continue to love one another and pray for each other. However, as we focus on 1 Peter chapter one once again, we come to a theological issue that we must never compromise on. Join us as we look at what is absolutely central to our Faith.
A Change of Perspective
Stress has a way of distorting our outlook on life. Pain, anxiety, and disappointment can cause us to see hopelessness in all directions. In our study of 1 Peter, the Apostle speaks a word of hope to the disciples of Christ who find themselves facing great challenges to their faith. Join us in our study as Peter lays out for us what is to be the disciple’s perspective on life.
The Result of Trials
Trials can seem both haphazard and pointless. However, what we find in our current study of 1 Peter is that they are used of God to produce tremendous results. Peter informs us that what God is doing in our trials is securing for us, a blessed future. Join us as we look at the value of our faith being tried.
Taming the Untamable
Living faith, that is faith that produces life in us, is active and life changing. Coming to the third chapter of James, we now discover that there is something in us that no one can control. However, once this living faith is activated in our lives, it can control the uncontrollable in us. Join as we look at both our enemy and our ally in this important struggle.
Divine Wisdom verses Demonic Wisdom
Deception is always a clear and present danger for the Church. It’s possible to be under the assumption that you’re following God, when in reality you’re headed in the opposite direction. Join us in James chapter three as James lays out what a life looks like that is dominated by God’s wisdom and what demonic wisdom will look like in a person’s life.
Worship Wars
Arriving at chapter four of the book of James, we are given the cause and the cure for divisions that take place among God’s people. The path that James lays out for us is a difficult one. But James reassures us that if we’ll do things God’s way, grace will be given so that we may do God’s will.
Doing Life God’s Way
As we come to the middle verses of James chapter four, we’re being told how to find peace in the midst of conflict. What we’re confronted with is a choice, choosing to do life God’s way or the alternative. To choose to live life our way places us in a very dangerous position. Choosing to do it God’s way places us in a position of great blessing.
Playing God With Our Lives
We might call James chapter four “a cautionary tale of the dangers of playing God”. For the follower of Christ, there can be the temptation to replace Him as the lord of our life with ourself. What James does is to inform us on why we are ill-equipped to be our own God. Join us as we finish out chapter four with a warning we all need to hear.
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