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.
Authentic Christianity
Counterfeit faith can have dire consequences. Coming near the end of our study in the book of James, the author now lays out markers that indicate what authentic faith in Christ will produce in our lives. Join us as we seek to discover if our faith is authentic or if it’s a cheap imitation.
Is Having Great Wealth a Sin?
Arriving at chapter five of the book of James we come to the subject of wealth. The American culture now seems to be turning on the rich. It now appears to the average American that having wealth amounts to being guilty of the unforgivable sin. What seems to be the chief concern to James is not having wealth, but how did you come to posses your wealth and now that you have it what are you doing with it? Join us in the opening verses of chapter five as we seek to discover God’s view on having wealth.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dead Faith verses Living Faith
Many misunderstand what James is putting forth at the end of chapter 2. Some see a contradiction between what James says here and what the Apostle Paul has told us earlier in the New Testament. James is not pitting works against faith as an either or choice. But rather he is comparing two different kinds of faith. One kills and one makes alive. Which faith do you possess? Join us this week and allow the Word of God to reveal to you whether you are spiritually alive or dead.
The Effects of an Encounter with God
When a life has had an encounter with God, that life will forever be altered. We can say that we’ve had an experience with God, however just saying it doesn’t make it so. James does us a great service by showing us five effects that will be seen in the life of someone who has met God. Join us as we continue in our verse by verse study in the book of James.