This morning we will begin a study in the incredible Gospel of John. Writing near the end of the first century, this aged, last standing apostle writes this book to declare that Jesus Christ IS the Son of God and that it is by grace, through faith in Him, that we are granted forgiveness of sin, and in doing so, receive the gift of eternal life. "But these are written (the gospel of John), that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name (John 20:31)."
But this same John in his first letter also wrote to expose those who were teaching that Jesus was not God Incarnate. "And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world" (1 John 4:3). We are living in a day and age where this biblical record of Jesus Christ is being denied, misinterpreted, and in the process is leading many astray.
The gospel of John records those seven glorious I AM statements of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ, The God Man is The Bread of Life, The Light of the World, The Door, The Good Shepherd, The Resurrection and the Life, The Way, The Truth and The Life, and finally, The True Vine. Jesus is everything that we are not!
As we walk through this exciting gospel, we will “see” Jesus perform God glorifying miracles of healing and deliverance for those fallen image bearers of God who were hurting. We will “see” Him perform the miracle of multiplying the loaves and fishes out of compassion for the multitudes. We will walk with Him and “see” the account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead which foreshadows the promise of every believer’s resurrection.
Beyond a shadow of a doubt, John proclaims that Jesus is God. He proclaims the gospel's call and message with great clarity and assurance for sinners and sufferers like us. Whether you are a new believer or someone who has walked with Jesus for 50 years, the gospel of John is a book that will refresh you, encourage you, challenge you, and compel you to love Jesus, serve Jesus, and proclaim Him and Lord of all.
While all of the gospels are the best gospels, John is certainly my personal favorite. Join me in this study, Saints! SELAH
Koinonia Fellowship
Sundays at 8:30a and 10:30a
500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445
In this section of scripture King Jehoshaphat is surrounded by an army that caused him great fear. Have you ever had a time on your life when you are suddenly surrounded by overwhelming circumstances? A personal battle with temptation? A marital crisis? A debilitating health condition? The death of a loved one? A prodigal son or daughter?
Truth be told beloved, we all have had our times when it seemed like there is no way out. What can be used to help us work through such times? Well, what did Jehoshaphat do? He set aside a time to fast. He acknowledged God’s sovereignty (vs. 6), God’s covenant (vs. 7), God’s presence (vs. 8,9), God’s goodness (vs. 10), God’s possession (vs. 11) and their utter dependence upon Him (vs. 12).
In the midst of the anticipation of the forthcoming battle, the prophet Jahaziel said, "Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s (2 Chron 20:15). That does not mean that we shirk any human responsibility related to our battle, whatever it may be. But it does mean this: You and I as followers of Jesus Christ never face any battle in life alone. Yes, we have family, and friends who are there with us, and for that, we can and should be thankful, but then there are BATTLES that only the presence of God can get us through. Shepherd boy David said to the giant Goliath, and all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands (1 Sam 17:47).
Beloved, our God promises to be with us in every battle, every fiery furnace, every single lion’s den. When Jehoshaphat heard what God said to him and the people of God, we see in verses 18-21 that the people of God began to worship The Lord before the battle was fought, confident in God’s promise of victory. For the child of God, death itself will be swallowed up in victory (1 Cor 15:54). The tribulation saints got the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God (Rev 15:2). But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor 15:57). We may lose a skirmish here and there beloved, but when all is said and done, Jesus prevails because He has won the ultimate battle over sin, the devil and death for us. Halleujah to His Name. SELAH
Jesus Christ has ascended into heaven, where He is seated at the right hand of God as our Great High Priest and Mediator. As we go through this journey of life, we can also celebrate every day that Jesus Christ is our Shepherd.
Imagine being sentenced to appear in court and stand before a judge for violations that you know that you have committed and are without a doubt guilty as charged with no hope of an appeal or being spared imprisonment. That is about as hopeless of a situation that anyone can be in.
Scripture tells us that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23). There is none righteous, no not one (Rom 3:10). Hopeless. But praise be unto God, My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:1,2). Thus, because of the grace of God, we have a High Priest and Mediator in heaven, Jesus Christ, Who declares to God The Judge the verdict NOT GUILTY to those who repent of their sin and trust in Him for their salvation. That is something to CELEBRATE.
For the follower of Jesus, heaven is our home, and earth is our temporary mission field. The Bible calls the people of God, sheep. Life on earth for all sheep is filled with strange twists and turns, trials, temptations, seasons of joy and gladness, and times of uncertainty. Thankfully, we can CELEBRATE the fact that in our journey here on earth, we have a Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ, Who is always there to lead us, guide us and comfort us in times of sorrow and pain. We trust that singing about and studying some of the various aspects of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ will inspire you to CELEBRATE Him, not just for a season, but for all eternity! SELAH
Koinonia Fellowship
Sundays at 8:30a and 10:30a
500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445
Our Christmas Teaching theme for the year 2025 is CELEBRATE!
That is CELEBRATE with an exclamation point! The word ”celebrate” stems from a Latin word that means “to assemble to honor.” Exactly Who is This One Whom we are assembling to honor and CELEBRATE? He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ. And my text today for our CELEBRATION of The Lord Jesus is one of the most celebratory, Christ exalting passages in all of Scripture, and that is Hebrews 1:1-8.
If I may simplify our theme for this year, it would be this: Jesus Christ IS the Christmas message of Scripture. Do not allow the commercialization of Christmas by this world system deceive you, beloved. The “Christ” of this commercialized world system is a “seasonal” Christ as best, NOT the Eternal, Only Begotten Son of God, Who came to this world to redeem man from their debt and the slavery of sin! And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:14,15). The Lord Jesus Himself said it this way: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord (Luke 4:18,19).
I am not belittling the blessing of the exchanging of gifts with family and friends. Being together with loved ones is precious indeed. It is what memories are made of. However, let us not forget that the real reason for the CELEBRATION of Christmas and life itself it this: And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:10,11). SELAH
Koinonia Fellowship
Sundays at 8:30a and 10:30a
500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Romans 5:1
Christmas isn’t just a season of lights and gifts; it’s not just about manger scenes and Christmas carols—it’s about assurance. The Christ of Christmas came so we could stand unshaken in the grace of God, rejoicing in hope no matter what this season brings.
When we look at the manger, we’re reminded not only that Christ came, but why He came: to give us confidence in our salvation, joy in our standing with God, and peace that no circumstance can shake.
None of the pressures, losses, or changes of this time of year can steal the joy we have in Jesus. We always have a reason to celebrate Him.
Romans chapter 5 gives us six incredible assurances—six gifts from the heart of God—that we can hold onto this Christmas.
First, we have justification. God has declared us innocent. Before Christ, we were guilty and far from God. But through His blood, the charges were dropped. We’ve been set free and made right with Him.
Second, we have peace with God. We are no longer His enemies. We are His children. The hostility is gone. You never have to wonder where you stand—God has made peace with you through His Son.
Third, we have access to grace. Jesus didn’t just save us; He brought us into the Father’s presence. We’ve been invited to sit at His table. We stand secure in His kindness and mercy.
Fourth, we have hope. Not a wishful hope, but a confident expectation. We know that one day we will see the glory of God face to face. That certainty steadies us through life’s trials.
Fifth, we have promise. Even in suffering, we can rejoice. God uses tribulations not to destroy us but to develop us—producing endurance, character, and a stronger hope in Him.
And finally, we have reconciliation. Our sins are forgiven—completely and forever. God will never bring them up again. The cross has covered it all.
So when the pressures come—when plans change or sorrow creeps in—remember these assurances. You are justified, at peace, welcomed, hopeful, secure, and loved.
The greatest reason to celebrate this Christmas is Jesus Christ, our Savior and our assurance.
Koinonia Fellowship
Sundays at 8:30a and 10:30a
500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445
How might some of us respond to the question James poses in 5:13? Am I suffering? I will complain. I will vent to my friend. I will ignore it. I will go buy stuff on Amazon. I will incessantly clean. I will watch sports and yell at the Bills. Granted, not all of these are terrible, but none of them deal directly with God. This is problematic because we are spiritual people that have bodies, not bodies that have spirits. In other words, our identity is primarily spiritual.
With this perspective, we find James’ message for the close of his epistle - that every circumstance demands a spiritual response; namely, prayer. How we initially respond to a situation reveals the help that we trust in the most. This becomes especially evident when we fall sick. Do we go to God in prayer? Do we really trust his shepherding care for us? Do we believe that if we can only apprehend Christ in prayer, then we will truly be whole?
What a friend we have in Jesus!
All our sins and griefs to bear.
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer.
Oh, what peace we often forfeit.
Oh, what needless pain we bear.
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer.
Koinonia Fellowship
Sundays at 8:30a and 10:30a
500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445
In James 5:7-11, we find James exhorting the saints to be patient. The context is being patient because the coming of The Lord is near. Note that it is by living in the assurance of the future Jesus’ imminent return that we are inspired to live patiently today. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).
The Lord Jesus said in His end times discourse in Luke 21:19 In your patience possess ye your souls. This patience, that is vital in the Christian life, is not natural, it is supernatural. The apostle John wrote near the end of the first century in Revelation 1:9, I, John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ.
Some 40 times in the New Testament alone we find the word patience as a necessary fruit of The Spirit in the life of every follower of Jesus Christ. Human nature is so prone to wanting to see God bring things to pass quickly, but it is by being patient in tribulation (Rom 12:12) that God develops Christ-like character in our lives. 2 Thessalonians 3.5 says, And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
Here we see that it is knowing the love of God in our hearts that enables us to endure trials, temptations, persecutions and troubles in this life. In Hebrews 6:15 we read of Abraham after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. But waiting patiently does not mean that we “twiddle our thumbs” and do nothing. No, in our patient waiting, we are told to occupy until Jesus returns (Luke 19:13).
There is no room for passivity in the Christian life, beloved. Yes, we are exhorted to wait upon The Lord and be patient for His imminent return, but very essence of what waiting and being patient means for the follower of Jesus is the very same thing that He told His mother Mary when Jesus was “lost” for three days. Know ye not that I must be about my Father's business (Luke 2:49)?
Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain (James 5:7) SELAH
Koinonia Fellowship
Sundays at 8:30a and 10:30a
500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445
For every Christian, there is what we would call the general, or universal will of God. This will would be found in the Word of God. Here are a couple of examples of the general or universal will of God. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication (1Thess 4:3). Here is another one. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1 Thess 5:18).
Then there is what we could call, the personal will of God. That would be things like, “Where should I live?” “Where should I go to college?” “Should I date or marry this person?”. Of course the general will of God for that last request would be that you should never date or marry someone who is not a disciple of Jesus Christ. The personal will of God would be knowing God’s will regarding who that disciple might be.
One foundational truth for every disciple of Jesus Christ to understand is that the ultimate purpose for prayer outside of fellowship with The Lord, is wanting to know what His will is for your life. Romans 12:2 tells us that our growing in grace and Christ-likeness is found in being transformed by walking in the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God for my life. Pastor Epaphras labored in prayer for the saints in Colosse that they would stand in the perfect and complete in all the will of God.
Beloved, our lives on earth are like a vapor. But in this vapor of time that we each have, we all have to make choices. And for each decision, we must be seeking God’s will and direction, knowing and believing that God’s will for us is the best and wisest.
The saints in our study this morning were carrying on and making decisions like unsaved people with no regard for God’s will or purposes. James is going to tell them that living like that is not only wrong, but sin. Jesus ended each prayer that He prayed in the Garden with the words, nevertheless, not My will but Thine be done. May we follow His example in prayer, and in doing so, submit our lives completely for His will, His purposes, His timing and ALL for His glory. SELAH
Koinonia Fellowship
Sundays at 8:30a and 10:30a
500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445
James writes to saints who were dealing with conflicts and envy, But He (God) giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (James 4:6). In Mary’s prayer, she said, God hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree (Luke 1:52).
Problems and conflicts amongst the people of God are to be expected. They are inevitable. What The Spirit of God wants the people of God to understand is that God’s way of dealing with conflict is far different than man’s way. What you and I call a misunderstanding, James calls wars and fightings because the way they were handling issues was in the flesh and filled with pride, instead of in The Spirit and grounded in Christ-like humility.
Remember how James taught us about the wisdom from below and the wisdom from above in James 3:13-18? Listen to Proverbs 13:10, Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. Self centered praying (James 4:3) and worldly behavior (James 4:4) in their private lives was the cause of proud, devilish (James 4:6,7) attitudes between the people of God.
What is the counsel of God? Submit to God. Resist the devil. Draw near to God. Purify your heart and double minded thinking. Mourn. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up (James 4:10). The Spirit of God flows so beautifully when brethren dwell together in unity. But The Spirit of God is grieved and quenched when we give place to the flesh.
Beloved, may the counsel of The Spirit of God, and the grace of humility be the basis of how we settle all of our conflicts and disputes, not only in this church but in our homes, for that is the place where the presence of God chooses to dwell. For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones (Isa 57:15) SELAH
Koinonia Fellowship
Sundays at 8:30a and 10:30a
500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445
Isaiah’s prophecy speaks across the ages—a word as relevant to us today as it was to Judah in his day. The prophet looked upon a nation full of injustice, corruption, and pride, where widows and the poor were oppressed and leaders had turned from God’s ways. Yet even in judgment, the mercy of God was shining through. His hand was “stretched out still” (Isa. 10:4–5).
That truth reminds us of something essential: God’s correction is not His rejection. When His people drift, He disciplines them not to destroy, but to draw them back. Hebrews 12 tells us His chastening proves His love. If you belong to Him, you cannot get away with the things you used to do—His Spirit will convict you and call you home.
Isaiah also saw the sovereignty of God at work through the chaos of history. God used Assyria—an ungodly, brutal nation—as the rod of His anger to awaken His people. Even pagan rulers are instruments in His hand. Yet when Assyria grew proud, boasting in its power, God reminded them they were only an axe in the hands of the Master. The tool has no right to boast over the one who wields it.
That’s a lesson for every servant of God. We are instruments, not architects. Whatever fruit comes from our lives is because His hand is upon us. Apart from Him we can do nothing. But in His hand, the weakest vessel becomes mighty.
Then comes the promise that has echoed through centuries: “The yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.” (Isa. 10:27). What beautiful hope! The same Spirit that rested upon Christ now dwells within every believer. It is the anointing—the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit—that breaks the bondage of sin, fear, and oppression. Jesus stood in the synagogue, unrolled the scroll of Isaiah, and declared, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me…” (Luke 4:18). That anointing still sets captives free today.
No power of Assyria, no force of darkness, no habit or history can stand against the anointing of the Holy Spirit. He breaks every chain, restores every heart, and calls His people to stand as witnesses in a fallen world.
Finally, Isaiah lifts our eyes to the future: “A rod shall come forth from the stem of Jesse.” (Isa. 11:1). Out of the stump of judgment, life will spring forth—the Messiah, Jesus Christ, our righteous Branch. He will reign with justice and fill the earth with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
So take courage, believer. God still rules. His hand is stretched out still. Whatever yoke has burdened you—fear, addiction, weariness—He is able to break it. Draw near to Him, for the Spirit of the Lord still anoints His people to shine as light in the darkness until the day our King reigns over all the earth.
Koinonia Fellowship
Sundays at 8:30a and 10:30a
500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445
There are two sources of wisdom. One is heavenly and the other is earthly and devilish. Guess which source is the most popular? If you said earthly and devilish, you are correct. But you may say that I am incorrect for saying that the wisdom of the world is devilish. That all depends on how you define wisdom, or let me put it this way. According to The Lord Jesus Christ, who is a wise individual, Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock. (Matt 7:24,25) Jesus defines the wise individual as someone who hears His Word and seeks to obey it.
Let's connect a couple of dots here. We could say that Jesus considers an individual a wise person if they believe that the Bible is not only the Word of God, but the wisdom of God as well. In other words, the wise person believes that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Tim 3:16,17). For the biblically wise person, God’s Word is the ultimate authority for every subject mentioned from Genesis to Revelation. "What saith Scripture?, " would be the wise person's reply to any question that begins with, "So what about__________?" (fill in the blank).
As sure as the sun rises in the morning and sets at night, I can tell you that the vast majority of mankind has a different opinion or view on the very same topics. “They say” or “AI says" either this or that. In the Garden of Eden, the serpent caused mankind to not only lose their soul but forsake the wisdom of God by asking them the question; "Did God really mean what He said?" And that lie is the cause of the two sources of wisdom.
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.(1 Cor 2:14). To unregenerate man, the Holy Bible is foolishness. 1 Cor 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. Hence, we have a tension on earth that is undeniable.
When the devil sought to persuade Jesus to avoid going to the cross for the sins of mankind, Jesus Christ quoted Scripture. Jesus Christ IS The Ultimate Wise Man Who built His life upon the truth of God, and in Him dwells all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col 2:3).
Are you living your life according to the wisdom of God, or the wisdom of this fallen world system? Who or what is the final authority in your life? Your eternal destiny hinges on you believing that that Bible declares that Jesus Christ is God, Lord, Saviour, Creator and Redeemer to all that repent and call upon HIs Name. SELAH
Koinonia Fellowship
Sundays at 8:30a and 10:30a
500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445
James 3:1-12 hits the proverbial nail on the head when it comes to the hellish usage of the human tongue. As painful as it is to face, James is teaching us here that our words provide a barometer of our spiritual condition, for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.
In James 1:26, we were told that any individual who claims to be religious but has no control over his words is deceived and their professed faith is vain. Worthless. Of no value. Contrary to the worldly saying that words can never hurt me, in James 3:6, the uncontrolled human tongue is described as “a fire,” and as “a world of evil”.
In verse 8, we learn that the tongue is “a restless evil,” and is “full of deadly poison.” The fact that we can poison others with our words is staggering. The fact that the tongue is a restless evil is staggering. The very source, or igniting influence of the untamed tongue is hell itself.
James 3 can be called “Tongues from hell.” The fact that we can use our tongues to advance the kingdom of darkness is staggering. What brother James is telling us here is that the uncontrolled and hellish use of the tongue is counter to how God designed it to be used by those who are new creatures in Christ (James 1:18).
Talkative in Pilgrim’s Progress is described as “a saint abroad, and a devil at home”. Some people are worshipper of God in the sanctuary, but a gossiper or slanderer of image bearers of God like a devil on Monday. That’s the glaring inconsistency that James is talking about. There is good news for those of us with tongue problems. I may not be able to bridle my tongue, but God’s Spirit can and will, when I yield my mouth unto Him.
Psa 141:3 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. David declared in Psalm 39:1 I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me. Psa 17:3 Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
Saints, we can and do choose the words that come out of our mouth. Acts 2 speaks of tongues set on fire from heaven above. James 3 speaks of tongues set on fire by hell. Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. SELAH
Matthew 12:36-37 - But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Koinonia Fellowship
Sundays at 8:30a and 10:30a
500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445
In this passage of James we learn that a genuine believer in Jesus Christ will be a person who brings forth the fruit of good works. Yes, we are saved by grace, through faith in The Lord Jesus Christ, but we also read in Ephesians 2:10 that "we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." God has ordained good works for every believer to walk in.
Titus 2:14 tells us that all saints are to be zealous of good works. Hebrews 10:24 says that we are called to provoke one another unto love and good works.
Brother James is showing what grace does. True faith in Christ always leaves a trail of love, mercy, and obedience behind it. When God changes the heart, the hands follow. When the Spirit indwells, the fruit of that Spirit begins to grow—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness (Gal. 5:22–23).
James uses two vivid examples. Abraham’s faith was tested when God asked him to offer Isaac. Abraham’s obedience didn’t make him righteous—it proved that his trust in God was real. “Faith was made perfect” when it moved from belief to costly obedience (James 2:22). Rahab, the prostitute, showed her faith by risking her life to protect God’s messengers. Her belief wasn’t a statement; it was a surrender. Both Abraham and Rahab remind us that true faith acts, even when it costs something.
The same Spirit who stirred them lives in us. That means faith is more than reciting creeds or nodding in agreement to sermons. It’s feeding the hungry neighbor (James 2:15–16), forgiving the one who wronged us, praying for those who persecute us (Matt. 5:44), and offering our time and gifts for the sake of others. Love becomes the proof that we have been born of God (1 John 4:7).
James also warns that belief alone—even correct belief—is not enough. “You believe that there is one God; you do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble” (James 2:19). The demons have theology; what they lack is surrender. Saving faith isn’t intellectual agreement—it’s relational trust. It says, “Lord, my life is Yours.”
There’s a beautiful honesty in how James speaks. He isn’t calling us to perfection but to reality. Real faith confesses sin, repents, and keeps moving toward Christ. It loves not just in word, but “in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). It doesn’t need applause because it serves for God’s glory, not man’s. As Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).
The Christian life, then, is not about earning favor but living out the favor already given. Christ’s death purchased our forgiveness; His resurrection empowers our obedience. When we abide in Him, the life of Christ flows through us—quietly, persistently, fruitfully.
So let’s ask ourselves today: Is my faith alive? Does it breathe love into others? Faith that is alive doesn’t merely talk about Jesus—it walks with Him. And that kind of faith, radiant with grace and rich in mercy, will never be dead. It will shine until we see the One who first believed in us.
Brother James writes in chapter 2 verse 8, "If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well." The word royal means something that belongs to a king. For those who have embraced Jesus Christ as Lord, this royal law is something that not only belongs to a king, it is something that that should belong to every one of His children.
Paul in writing to the church at Rome said in Romans 13.8 "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loves another hath fulfilled the law." This law of love is the law of the kingdom of God. Paul writes to the church in Galatia that faith worketh by love (Gal 5.6). 1 Thessalonians 4.9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. This royal law is what blesses the heart of The Father.
Consider this beloved: who or what you love is going to determine how you live. Who or what you love is going to impact how you relate and interact with others, both inside and outside of the body of Christ. Who or what you love is going to impact how you steward your God given gifts and finances. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5.14 that the love of Christ constrained him to live he way that he lived. This royal law of love towards one another is the overflow of the love that Jesus Christ has for us.
In this “rubber meets the road” letter that we are studying, let us keep in mind that The Father is saying to each one of us is that the very key of what makes us a Christ centered, Spirit driven, disciple making, soul winning church is this royal law of loving one another as He loves us. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13.34,35. SELAH
Isaiah 8 is a chapter about faith in a fearful time. The world around Judah was collapsing—nations rising and falling, rumors of war everywhere. Yet in the middle of chaos, God calls His people to one simple posture: trust.
Isaiah’s name itself means “The Lord is salvation,” and the message of this chapter carries that theme from beginning to end. God tells Isaiah to give his son a prophetic name—Maher-shalal-hash-baz—meaning “swift to the plunder, quick to the spoil.” It was a warning that judgment was coming quickly upon the enemies of Judah. But it was also a reminder that God was still in charge of history. He declares the end from the beginning (Isa. 46:10), and everything He speaks will come to pass. Even when the nations rage, God’s purposes stand firm.
Isaiah contrasts two kinds of waters—the gentle stream of Shiloah and the mighty flood of the Euphrates (Isa. 8:6–7). The peaceful stream symbolized God’s quiet protection; the raging river represented the Assyrian army that would soon overflow the land. The people had rejected the gentle waters of God’s peace and instead trusted in foreign power. It’s a striking image for us as well. How often do we refuse the still, sustaining presence of God for the floodwaters of human solutions? The Lord says, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength” (Isa. 30:15).
When fear spreads, conspiracy abounds. In Isaiah’s day, people whispered of secret plots and alliances; God told Isaiah, “Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy… do not fear what they fear” (Isa. 8:12). What wise counsel for our age! We are flooded with voices that stir anxiety and division. But the Lord says, “Sanctify the Lord of hosts… let Him be your fear” (v. 13). When we revere God above all else, lesser fears lose their grip. He alone is our sanctuary, “a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense” (v. 14)—a picture later fulfilled in Christ (1 Pet. 2:6–8). The same Jesus who offends human pride becomes a refuge for every heart that trusts Him.
Isaiah then declares, “I will wait on the Lord… and I will hope in Him” (v. 17). Waiting on God doesn’t mean passivity; it means faith in motion—holding fast when the world rushes ahead. The Lord renews the strength of those who wait (Isa. 40:31). Like Job, we can say, “He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10).
The chapter closes with a sobering warning: those who turn to the occult or human wisdom instead of God will “see only distress and darkness” (Isa. 8:22). Yet for those who look to the Lord, there is light ahead—the dawn of redemption that Isaiah will proclaim in chapter 9: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”
Our world, like Isaiah’s, is full of noise and fear. But God calls His people to something higher—to trust His Word, to walk in His peace, and to remember that Emmanuel, God with us, still reigns. When we build our lives upon that Rock, no flood can sweep us away.
Koinonia Fellowship
Sundays at 8:30a and 10:30a
500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445
James writes this truth about God that every follower of Jesus should read every day. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Beloved, read that verse again prayerfully and slowly. Our Heavenly Father is The One Who blesses us with everything that is good and perfect. Brother James told us in verse 16 to not be deceived about that, because it is very easy to slip into the depths of despondency and despair whenever we get our eyes off of God and onto other things.
Beloved, do not allow social media, news agencies, current events or negative, fault finding people dictate to you what the true character of God is like. David, the man after God’s own heart was a man that suffered many trials and hardships in life, some being the result of his own doing, but through it all he wrote in Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
Maybe you are struggling today with health or relational issues. Perhaps your finances have taken a turn for the worse. Satan capitalizes on fear and will not waste any “opportunity” that we give him to speak ill of God. Do not listen to his lies. He is the one who comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10.10). He is the one who depresses and oppresses people (Acts 10.38). Trust in God and know that He is good.
Yes, our circumstances may be difficult and indeed be gloomy, but it is when we are feeling low that we need to look up to heaven and look to The One from where our help comes from (Psalm 121). Psalm 118.1 says, O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. The very heaven are opened when the people of God lift up their hearts and voices to Him with praises (Psalm 22.3) and thanksgiving (Luke 17.15-19).
If you are a child of God, all of your sins have been forgiven! Your eternal soul is destined to be your Lord Jesus forever. That alone is worthy of praise and thanksgiving. All that awaits us in glory stems from the loving heart of our Father Who sent His Son Jesus Christ to redeem us and deliver us from this present evil world according to His will (Gal 1.4). May the love of God for you give you cause to worship The One Who declares in Mal 3.6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. Heb 13.8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.
Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Just like the physical world is governed by laws of nature, the spiritual world is also governed by laws of the spirit. In our study today, James tells us that the law of sin and death begins with the bait of temptation.
Before we engage in this study of temptation, James reminds us of this very important point in verse 13, Let no man say when he is tempted (to commit sin), I am tempted of God (to commit sin): for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.
Believe it or not, there are 3 things that God cannot do. (1) God cannot lie (2) God cannot be tempted with evil (3) God cannot fail to keep His promises. And one of those precious promises is given to us in 1 Corinthians 10:13 "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. "
Sin would be helpless if there was nothing in man to which it could appeal. This means that Adam was created innocent, not perfect. You and I are not born innocent. Psalm 51:5 "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." All mankind after Adam is born with a flesh nature that is prone to evil desires, whether you are a Christian or not.
Beloved, listen carefully…temptation in itself is not sin. We do not sin until we conceive the bait into our minds and carry the temptation out. If you follow the context of Hebrews 4:14–16, God’s way out of temptation is found in fleeing to our great high priest, The Lord Jesus Christ Himself, Who will give us grace to help in time of need. Praise God for that!
When, not if, we are being tempted, we need to remember that greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. We also need to remember that 1 Cor 10:13 tells us that there is a way out. Thus, whenever you are being tempted today (to lie, to gossip, to lust, to brag), agree with God’s Word and look for God’s exit sign!
James is writing to believers like you and me about the reality of the source and root cause of all temptation and sin. This evil desire that resides in each and every one of us here today is something that will either be nourished or resisted. In Romans 6, God tells us that our bodily members are to be reckoned dead indeed unto sin and alive unto God. The Spirit of God is telling us this evening that when we understand the source of temptation and the enemy’s objective in baiting us with it, we can walk in victory as we yield ourselves to God and resist the temptation.
May we hear what God says to us today, and may we see how we can walk in victory, not sinless perfection, by grace, through faith in The Lord Jesus Christ. SELAH
Today we begin a study in the epistle of James. James and Jude were half brothers of The Lord Jesus Christ. All three had the same mother, but the Father of Jesus was God. James did not come to saving faith in Jesus until after Jesus rose again from the dead. We know that Jesus appeared personally to James after He rose from the dead.
James reveals the practical aspect of the saving grace of God. It has been called by some the New Testament equivalent to the book of Proverbs from the Old Testament. There are early church records that tell us that James was called “Old Camel Knees” because of the amount of time that he spent on his knees praying. I wonder if James learned that from observing his half brother Jesus, who Himself was a man of prayer.
As we journey through this epistle, James is going to teach us about trials and temptations that every child of God will experience. He is going to teach about the beautiful equality that we have in Jesus Christ. It’s an equality that does not depend upon race or riches, an equality that is based upon our oneness with God through the precious blood of His Son Jesus Christ.
James will teach us about the good and bad that can stem from the human tongue. He will teach us the difference between human and heavenly wisdom. He will exhort us to live our lives with patience as we anticipate Jesus’ soon return. He will exhort us to pray rightly according to God’s will, and not after the flesh, or amiss. I cannot help but think of what was going through James’ mind when The Holy Ghost was inspiring him to write this book, and how he must have reflected back of the time when he and Jesus were little boys in Nazareth.
James identifies himself as a bond slave of Jesus Christ, which is simply beautiful! So from one bond slave of the Lord Jesus Christ to another, let us grow together in our faith in Jesus and in our church community as we determine to be doers, and not just hearers of The Word. SELAH
What would you do if you knew Jesus would return later this week? Would you go to work tomorrow? Would you start calling people? Would you change your life? Would you pray all day? Would you isolate yourself? If you knew that Jesus was coming this week, why aren't you living as urgently as that?
The Word of God will never leave people neutral. Some will receive it with joy, others will resist it, and still others will oppose it. That opposition is not about you—it is about Christ shining His light through you. Never let the devil and fear set the agenda for your life. The Lord is faithful; He will establish you and keep you from evil.
Much of Paul’s instruction in this chapter centers on work. Some believers in Thessalonica had stopped working because they thought the Lord’s return meant their earthly responsibilities no longer mattered. But from the beginning—back in Genesis—work has been part of God’s good design. Adam and Eve were given meaningful labor before sin ever entered the world. Work is not a curse; it is a calling.
How many of you realize that the people you work with at your present vocation are your prayer list and your mission field? The coworkers, employees, or customers you see each day are people God has entrusted to your influence. Studies show that most people who come to Christ do so outside the walls of a church. That means your daily faithfulness may be the very witness God uses to draw someone to Himself.
So how do we live this out? Be diligent—work hard, be punctual, give thanks. Reflect Christlike character—let integrity mark your words and actions. Meet people where they are—take a genuine interest in their lives. Be a good listener—show them you care. And when the opportunity comes, share the gospel simply and compassionately.
Today, when you walk into your workplace, imagine a sign over the door: “You are entering your mission field.” May that perspective shape the way you live, labor, and love—until the day Christ returns.
Isaiah 7 brings us into one of the most remarkable moments in Scripture—the birth of the promise that a virgin would bear a Son and call His name Immanuel, which means God with us (Isa. 7:14). But before this prophecy of hope, the scene opens with fear. King Ahaz of Judah faces a powerful alliance—Syria and Israel have joined forces against him. The nation trembles like trees shaken by the wind (Isa. 7:2). Instead of faith, fear grips the people of God.
It is here that the Lord sends Isaiah to meet Ahaz with words of comfort: “Take heed, and be quiet; fear not” (v. 4). God’s message to a frightened king is the same one He gives to our anxious hearts today—be still and trust that I am in control (Ps. 46:10). The Lord reminds Ahaz that the plans of his enemies will not stand, for He Himself has decreed it. Yet, He adds a searching warning: “If you will not believe, surely you shall not be established” (v. 9). Faith, not strategy, is what secures the people of God.
Ahaz, sadly, refuses to trust. Though the Lord invites him to ask for a sign—any sign—he hides his unbelief behind religious-sounding words: “I will not ask, neither will I tempt the Lord” (v. 12). How easy it is to sound pious while our hearts cling to self-reliance. Ahaz had already decided to seek help from Assyria instead of God. When we choose our own solutions instead of waiting on the Lord, we trade His peace for our anxiety.
Still, God gives a sign—not because Ahaz deserves it, but because His mercy will not be silenced. “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel” (v. 14). This prophecy would first have a near fulfillment in Isaiah’s time, reminding Judah that God was still with them. But its ultimate fulfillment came centuries later, when the angel told Joseph that Mary’s child was that promised Son: “They shall call His name Immanuel… God with us” (Matt. 1:23).
In that single name lies the heart of the gospel. The holy God who could have abandoned a rebellious people instead drew near in love. Through Jesus, He entered our weakness, walked among our fears, and bore our sin on the cross. The sign given to Ahaz—the virgin birth—is more than a miracle; it is the declaration that God Himself would come to save us when we could not save ourselves.
Isaiah’s message still speaks: when fear rises and enemies seem close, our security is not in alliances, wealth, or control—it is in the presence of Immanuel. The Lord says to us, as He said to Ahaz, “Be quiet, do not fear.” His perfect love still casts out fear (1 John 4:18). Faith steadies the heart that leans on Him.
Whatever storm surrounds you, remember this: God is not distant. He is with you, in the struggle, in the waiting, in the unknown. The same Lord who promised Immanuel has fulfilled that promise in Christ—and He has not changed. Trust Him, and you will find that His presence is more than enough.
Koinonia Fellowship
Sundays at 8:30a and 10:30a
500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445