-Word, Witness, World- repetition
-The Word became flesh...
-And dwelt among us… (past, present, future)
We are invited to:
1. See God’s glory in Jesus
2. Experience the fullness of God’s grace and truth in Jesus
3. Know God through Jesus.
The Word. (John 1:1-5)
Worship the Word
The Witness. (John 1:6-8)
Witness to the Light
The World. (John 1:1-5)
Welcome the True Light
How do we suffer well together?
Patiently anticipate the coming of the Lord,
-Work diligently (like the farmer) [5:7]
-Speak with integrity (consider the prophets) [5:10]
-Hold fast (remember Job) [5:11-12]
James addresses our tendency to be controlled by bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in two specific areas of life: our plans and our possessions.
OUR PLANS
James offers a correction to pride-filled boasting:
1. With humility, acknowledge and embrace our frailty
2. Acknowledge and embrace a daily dependence on God
OUR POSSESSIONS
Two things happen when we perpetually fixate on what we want:
1. We arrogantly believe that we deserve what we want.
2. We become blind to the needs of others.
In light of this:
1. Pray for eyes to see and respond to the injustice all around you.
2. Give generously and creatively to those around you.
3. Receive God’s grace - his gift of undeserved kindness and forgiveness that we don’t deserve.
What is the source of conflict between Christians?
-The war within (internal): Taking pleasure in what I want vs. what God wants.
-Desires (lust): Strong craving for that which we don’t have.
-Friendship with the world: Adultery against God
What is the solution to conflict between Christians?
1. Turn to God
-Submit to God
-Resist the devil (and he will flee)
-Draw near to God (and he will draw near)
-Cleanse hands/ purify hearts
-Grieve our selfishness and jealousy
-Approach God with humility (and he will lift you up)
2. Stop Criticizing Others
-Trust God as Judge
-Start loving others
On behalf of the elders, Pastor Jon shares an update regarding the challenging financial situation we are in.
ZOMBIE FAITH (dead, useless, foolish faith)
-James: The Uselessness of Faith Without Works (James 2:14-26)
-Paul: The Futility of Works Without Faith (Ephesians 2:1-10)
LIFE-GIVING FAITH
-Life-giving faith for anyone! [from Abraham ---> Rahab]
-Life-giving faith (2:14-26) meets life-giving religion (1:27)
-Faith that gives life to the least, last, and lost.
-Faith that gives life to our own lives.