Faith Bible Church

Colossians 3:12-13 (NASB)12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so must you do also. Theme: Because God has made believers to be His chosen, holy, and beloved people, they must clothe themselves with Christlike virtues and forgive one another as the Lord has forgiven them. Outline: 4 Garments of the New Man: Identity Virtue Forbearance Forgiveness

John 1:10; 12-13 (NASB) 10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through Him, and yet the world did not know Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of a man, but of God. 1 Samuel 2:1-3 (NASB) 1 Then Hannah prayed and said, “My heart rejoices in the Lord;My horn is exalted in the Lord,My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies,Because I rejoice in Your salvation.2 There is no one holy like the Lord,Indeed, there is no one besides You,Nor is there any rock like our God.3 Do not go on boasting so very proudly,Do not let arrogance come out of your mouth;For the Lord is a God of knowledge,And with Him actions are weighed. Romans 8:14-23 (NASB) 14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons and daughters of God. 15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons and daughters by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the eagerly awaiting creation waits for the revealing of the sons and daughters of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. 23 And not only that, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons and daughters, the redemption of our body.

Numbers 21:1-9 (NASB) 1 When the Canaanite, the king of Arad, who lived in the Negev, heard that Israel was coming by the way of Atharim, he fought against Israel and took some of them captive. 2 So Israel made a vow to the Lord and said, “If You will indeed hand over this people to me, then I will utterly destroy their cities.” 3 The Lord heard the voice of Israel and turned over the Canaanites; then they utterly destroyed them and their cities. And the place was named Hormah. 4 Then they set out from Mount Hor by the way of the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; and the people became impatient because of the journey. 5 So the people spoke against God and Moses: “Why have you brought us up from Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we are disgusted with this miserable food.” 6 Then the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died. 7 So the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned, because we have spoken against the Lord and against you; intercede with the Lord, that He will remove the serpents from us.” And Moses interceded for the people. 8 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and put it on a flag pole; and it shall come about, that everyone who is bitten, and looks at it, will live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze serpent and put it on the flag pole; and it came about, that if a serpent bit someone, and he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived. John 3:14-17 (NASB) 14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes will have eternal life in Him. 16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him.  

James 5:1-6 (NASB) 1 Come now, you rich people, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you. 2 Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and your silver have corroded, and their corrosion will serve as a testimony against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure! 4 Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of armies. 5 You have lived for pleasure on the earth and lived luxuriously; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and put to death the righteous person; he offers you no resistance. Eternal judgment is coming upon those who store up riches for themselves while abusing the needy on earth. 1) Pronouncement of God's Judgment (5:1) 2) Description of God's Judgment (5:2-3) 3) Charges for God's Judgment (5:4-6)

James 4:13-17 (NASB) 13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” 14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. For you are just a vapor that appears for a little while, and then vanishes away. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.” 16 But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. 17 So for one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, for him it is sin. Two big problems with making plans & decisions apart from seeking God's will: 1) It is foolish to act like you are in control of the future (4:13-14) 2) It is arrogance and evil to neglect God's will (4:16-17) How to make plans & decisions in honor of Christ: 3) Seek the Lord's will in everything you do (4:15)

James 4:11-12 (NASB) 11 Do not speak against one another, brothers and sisters. The one who speaks against a brother or sister, or judges his brother or sister, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you, judging your neighbor? It is serious sin against God to speak against or stand in judgement over others. 1) The Command(s) – 4:11a (& b) 2) The Reasons for the Command(s) – 4:11b-12  

John 14:19 (NASB) 19 After a little while, the world no longer is going to see Me, but you are going to see Me; because I live, you also will live. Psalm 16 (NASB) 1 Protect me, God, for I take refuge in You.2 I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord;I have nothing good besides You.”3 As for the saints who are on the earth,They are the majestic ones; all my delight is in them.4 The pains of those who have acquired another god will be multiplied;I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood,Nor will I take their names upon my lips. 5 The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup;You support my lot.6 The measuring lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;Indeed, my inheritance is beautiful to me. 7 I will bless the Lord who has advised me;Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.8 I have set the Lord continually before me;Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.9 Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices;My flesh also will dwell securely.10 For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol;You will not allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.11 You will make known to me the way of life;In Your presence is fullness of joy;In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Acts 13:35 (NASB) 35 Therefore, He also says in another Psalm: ‘You will not allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.'    

James 4:7-10 (NASB) 7 Submit therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God and He will come close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be miserable, and mourn, and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy into gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you. Being in close(r) relationship with God involves dealing with your pride and sin in much humility. 1) Some Pointers for closer closeness to God (4:7) 2) The Importance of real repentance (4:8-9) 3) A Promise to the wholly humble (4:10)  

Romans 8:18-27 (NASB) 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the eagerly awaiting creation waits for the revealing of the sons and daughters of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. 23 And not only that, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons and daughters, the redemption of our body. 24 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, through perseverance we wait eagerly for it. 26 Now in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. I. Believers are called to suffer and struggle (8:18)II. Creation suffers (8:19-22)III. The believer longs for deliverance (8:23-27)  

James 4:4-6 (NASB) 4 You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture says to no purpose, “He jealously desires the Spirit whom He has made to dwell in us”? 6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” God calls us to be faithful to follow Him and His Word above the ways of the world. 1) The Rebuke of Worldliness (4:4) 2) The Reference to the Word (4:5) 3) The Reminder of the Way Forward (4:6)  

James 4:1-3 (NASB) 1 What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is the source not your pleasures that wage war in your body's parts? 2 You lust and do not have, so you commit murder. And you are envious and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask with the wrong motives, so that you may spend what you request on your pleasures.

James 3:13-18 (NASB) 13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, free of hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. To foster harmonious relationships in life, put on true godly wisdom and put off false earthly wisdom. 1) You must behave with godly wisdom for peaceful relationships (3:13, 17) 2) If you act with worldly “wisdom”, conflict will be the result (3:14-16) 3) Peaceful relationships require hard/heart work (3:18)

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NASB) 24 and let's consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, 25 not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Ephesians 4:3 (NASB) 3 being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 1 Timothy 4:13 (NASB)  13 Until I come, give your attention to the public reading, to exhortation, and teaching. __+__

James 3:1-12 (NASB) 1 Do not become teachers in large numbers, my brothers, since you know that we who are teachers will incur a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to rein in the whole body as well. 3 Now if we put the bits into the horses' mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their whole body as well. 4 Look at the ships too: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are nevertheless directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot determines. 5 So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, the very world of unrighteousness; the tongue is set among our body's parts as that which defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. 7 For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. 8 But no one among mankind can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, who have been made in the likeness of God; 10 from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way. 11 Does a spring send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? 12 Can a figure tree, my brothers and sisters, bear olives, or a vine bear figures? Nor cans salt water produce fresh. Four Helps in controlling our tongues to honor Christ 1) Realize that God holds you accountable for your tongue (3:1-2) 2) Recognize the potentially destructive power of your tongue (3:3-5) 3) Acknowledge that your tongue is (humanly) untamable (3:6-8) 4) Know the source of your tongue's inconsistencies (3:9-12)

James 3:1-12 (NASB) 1 Do not become teachers in large numbers, my brothers, since you know that we who are teachers will incur a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to rein in the whole body as well. 3 Now if we put the bits into the horses' mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their whole body as well. 4 Look at the ships too: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are nevertheless directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot determines. 5 So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, the very world of unrighteousness; the tongue is set among our body's parts as that which defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. 7 For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. 8 But no one among mankind can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, who have been made in the likeness of God; 10 from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way. 11 Does a spring send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? 12 Can a figure tree, my brothers and sisters, bear olives, or a vine bear figures? Nor cans salt water produce fresh. Four Helps in controlling our tongues to honor Christ 1) Realize that God holds you accountable for your tongue (3:1-2) 2) Recognize the potentially destructive power of your tongue (3:3-5) (To be continued next week.)    

James 2:20-26 (NASB) 20 But are you willing to acknowledge, you foolish person, that faith without works is useless? 21 Was our father Abraham not justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 In the same way, was Rahab the prostitute not justified by works also when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. The genuineness of your faith in Jesus Christ is proven by your works. 1) It is foolish to believe that a faith without works is saving faith (2:20-25) Real Faith Example #1 – Abraham Real Faith Example #2 – Rahab 2) Faith without works is dead faith (2:26)

James 2:14-20 (NASB) 14 What use is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? 17 In the same way, faith also, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. 18 But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” 19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. 20 But are you willing to acknowledge, you foolish person, that faith without works is useless? God wants you to evaluate whether your faith in Jesus Christ is genuine or not. 1) Faith without good works is not true, saving faith (2:14-18) 2) Faith with only head knowledge about God is not true, saving faith (2:19-20)

Psalm 127: 3-4 (NASB) 3 Behold, children are a gift of the Lord,The fruit of the womb is a reward.4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,So are the children of one's youth.  

Luke 22:17-20 (NASB) 17 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He said, “Take this and share it among yourselves; 18 for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body, which is being given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 20 And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup, which is poured out for you, is the new covenant in My blood. 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (NASB) 16 Is the cup of blessing which we bless not a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is the bread which we break not a sharing in the body of Christ? 17 Since there is one loaf, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf.

guest speaker: Cyril Florita Romans 1:16–17 (NASB)16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyonewho believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of Godis revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.” We must grasp two (2) life-changing truths about the gospel so that we would faithfullyembrace it for ourselves and boldly proclaim it to others. 2 Reasons to Embrace and Proclaim the Gospel: 1) It Is God's Power to Save (v.16) 2) It Is God's Righteousness Revealed (v.17) Explanation:Paul's epistle to the Romans served as an introduction to his apostleship and as ademonstration of his gospel-ministry (1:1–6). Paul wanted to forge a relationship withthem by edifying them and strengthening their faith so they would partner with him in hismissionary plans for Spain (1:8–13; 15:28). Because of his God-given call and obligationto preach Christ to all people, he expressed how he was eager to preach the gospel tothem (1:14–15).And so, with our passage, at the beginning of verse 16, Paul uses the conjunction “for” togive a reason as to why he was so eager to preach—he was not ashamed of the gospel andhad complete confidence in it. Then, for the rest of verses 16 and 17, he again uses theconjunction “for” twice to further explain why he had such confidence in the gospel. Forreason #1, he presents how the gospel is the very power of God to save everyone whobelieves. And for reason #2, he presents how the gospel reveals the righteousness of God,which is received through faith, from beginning to end.  

2 Timothy 4 (NASB) 1 I solemnly exhort you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction. 3 For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires, 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth and will turn aside to myths. 5 But as for you, use self-restraint in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; 8 in the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. 9 Make every effort to come to me soon; 10 for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Take along Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service. 12 But I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the overcoat which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15 Be on guard against him yourself too, for he vigorously opposed our teaching. 16 At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. 17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion's mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus remained at Corinth, but I left Trophimus sick at Miletus. 21 Make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, also Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters. 22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.   1. Your number one priority 1-4 2. Fulfill your ministry 5-8 3. Final thoughts 9-22

Hebrews 2:14-18 (NASB) 14 Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, so that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. 16 For clearly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendants of Abraham. 17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brothers so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.  

Be encouraged and awed by the amazing ministry of “The Angel of the LORD”! 1) Compassionate Comforter 2) Mighty Redeemer/Deliverer 3) Revealer of God 4) Terrifying Judge 5) Great Commissioner        

James 2:10-13 (NASB) 10 For whoever keeps the whole Law, yet stumbles in one point, has become guilty of all. 11 For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but do murder, you have become a violator of the Law. 12 So speak, and so act, as those who are to be judged by the law of freedom. 13 For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment. Six Aspects of (our attitudes and behavior that point us toward) Christ-like Impartiality Part 1 (Last Week): 1) The Prohibitive Principle (2:1, 9) 2) A Poor Picture (2:2-4) 3) The Paradox (2:5-7) 4) The Positive Practice (2:8) Part 2 (Today): 5) The Perfect Standard (2:10-11) 6) A Serious Precept & a Solemn Proverb (2:12-13)  

1 Timothy 1:18-20 (NASB) 18 This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, 19 keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith. 20 Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme. 1) Fight the Good Fight (v. 18)2) Keep the Faith (v. 19)3) Correcting Error (v. 20)

Psalm 23:6 (NASB) 6 Certainly goodness and faithfulness will follow me all the days of my life, And my dwelling will be in the house of the Lord forever. Happy Thanksgiving from Faith Bible Church!    

James 2:1-13 (NASB) 1 My brothers and sisters, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. 2 For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and is dressed in bright clothes, and a poor man in dirty clothes also comes in, 3 and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the bright clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,” 4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters: did God not choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court? 7 Do they not blaspheme the good name by which you have been called? 8 If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the Law as violators. 10 For whoever keeps the whole Law, yet stumbles in one point, has become guilty of all. 11 For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but do murder, you have become a violator of the Law. 12 So speak, and so act, as those who are to be judged by the law of freedom. 13 For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment. Six Aspects of Christ-like Impartiality: 1) The Prohibitive Principle (2:1, 9) 2) A Poor Picture (2:2-4) 3) The Paradox (2:5-7) 4) The Positive Practice (2:8)

James 1:26-27 (NASB) 26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this person's religion is worthless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. Principles of True Christianity: I. Existence of worthless religion (1:26) II. Elements of worthwhile religion (1:26-27) 1) Control over Speech (1:26) 2) Care for the Needy (1:27) 3) Cleanliness from the World (1:27)  

James 1:21-25 (NASB) 21 Therefore, ridding yourselves of all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. 22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; 24 for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. 25 But one who has looked intently at the perfect law, the law of freedom, and has continued in it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an active doer, this person will be blessed in what he does. How Christians should respond to the Word of God: 1) Proactively get rid of your sin (1:21) 2) Humbly receive the Word (1:21) 3) Persistently do what God's Word says (1:22-25) 4) Wholly believe God's Promise to the obedient (1:25)  

James 1:19-20 (NASB) 19 You know this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Now everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; 20 for a man's anger does not bring about the righteousness of God. Theme: Growing in godly communication/speech is an integral part of every Christian's spiritual maturity. Three Keys to Godly Communication 1) Open your ears (1:19) 2) Control your tongue (1:19) 3) Control your emotions (1:19-20)

John 21:15-25 (NASB) 15 Now when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.” 16 He said to him again, a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was hurt because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Tend My sheep. 18 Truly, truly I tell you, when you were younger, you used to put on your belt and walk wherever you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will put your belt on you, and bring you where you do not want to go.” 19 Now He said this, indicating by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had said this, He said to him, “Follow Me!” 20 Peter turned around and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them—the one who also had leaned back on His chest at the supper and said, “Lord, who is the one who is betraying You?” 21 So Peter, upon seeing him, said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!” 23 Therefore this account went out among the brothers, that that disciple would not die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but only, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?” 24 This is the disciple who is testifying about these things and wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true. 25 But there are also many other things which Jesus did, which, if they were written in detail, I expect that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written. I. Fulfill you ministry (15-17) II. Be prepared to suffer (18-19) III. Mind your own business (20-25)  

James 1:17-18 (NASB) 17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. 18 In the exercise of His will He gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. Theme: God, who is the wonderful, wondrous Giver of physical and spiritual life, should receive continuous gratitude from us as His new creations. 1) Who God is >> His Wonderful Character (1:17) 2) What God does >> His Wondrous Works (1:18)

James 1:12-16 (NASB) 12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 No one is to say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it has run its course, brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers and sisters. Theme: To progress in the path to spiritual maturity, Christians must continually overcome temptations of the flesh. Intro – Believe God's Promises for Perseverance (1:12) Body – Helps for You to Overcome Temptations (1:13-15) 1) Know the Source of Temptations (1:13-14) 2) Know the Strength of Temptations (1:14-15) 3) Know the Sequence of Temptations (1:15) Conclusion – Don't be fooled (1:16)

James 1:12-16 (NASB) 12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 No one is to say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it has run its course, brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers and sisters. Theme: To progress in the path to spiritual maturity, Christians must continually overcome temptations of the flesh.  

James 1:9-11 (NASB) 9 Now the brother or sister of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; 10 but the rich person is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so also the rich person, in the midst of his pursuits, will die out. Theme: Believers, whether rich or poor, should find their true satisfaction in Jesus Christ above all else. 1) The poor Christian's boast (1:9) 2) The rich Christian's boast (1:10-11)  

James 1:5-8 (NASB) 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. Theme: Christians should seek spiritual maturity by asking God for wisdom and praying with a believing heart. Some “How-tos” of gaining wisdom and making petitions to God 1) Acknowledge your need for wisdom (1:5) 2) Ask God for wisdom (1:5) 3) Ask God in faith, for everything (1:6-8)  

James 1:2-4 (NASB) 2 Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Theme: We as Christians can take joy in our trials because we know that God is using them to grow us to spiritual maturity. Three Encouragements to help us deal with life's trials: 1) Put on the Right Attitude in our Trials (1:2) 2) Have Accurate Knowledge about our Trials (1:3) 3) Understand the Intended Outcome of our Trials (1:4)  

Colossians 3:23-24 (NASB) 23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, 24 knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NASB) 58 Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be firm, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. Colossians 3:17 (NASB) 17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. 1) The Christian's Pattern 2) The Christian's Prescription 3) The Christian's Priority

James 1:1 (NASB) 1 James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings.    

Theme: Remember the responsibilities & privileges of Church Membership! Four Biblical Bases for Local Church Membership: 1) The Example of the Early Church 2) The Exercise of Church Discipline 3) The Existence of Church Gov't 4) The Exhortation of the One-Another Commands   FBC “I Will” Statements: · I will always be willing to both give and receive admonition and instruction with meekness and in love, and humbly submit to the practice of church discipline. · I will be subject to spiritually gifted elders and their biblical teachings for the edification of Christ's church. · I will commit to praying for the ministry here in this church, for my brothers and sisters in Christ, and for the lost who need the Savior.

Theme: Remember the responsibilities & privileges of Church Membership! 1) I will take seriously my relationship to others in the body of Christ, striving to maintain unity, and doing all I can to stimulate others to love and good deeds for the glory of God. 2) I will consistently serve and contribute, as a good steward of God's blessings, such time, talent, and money, in the measure that God prospers me, so that our ministry of spreading the Gospel locally & worldwide may continue. 3) I will teach biblical truth to my family and acquaintances, as God gives me opportunity, with a desire to see them come to trust in Jesus Christ and be saved.

2 Kings 13 (NASB) 1 In the twenty-third year of Joash the son of Ahaziah, king of Judah, Jehoahaz the son of Jehu became king over Israel at Samaria, and he reigned for seventeen years. 2 He did evil in the sight of the Lord, and followed the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, into which he misled Israel; he did not turn from them. 3 So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and He continually handed them over to Hazael king of Aram, and to Ben-hadad, the son of Hazael. 4 Then Jehoahaz appeased the Lord, and the Lord listened to him; for He saw the oppression of Israel, how the king of Aram oppressed them. 5 And the Lord gave Israel a savior, so that they escaped from under the hand of the Arameans; and the sons of Israel lived in their tents as previously. 6 Nevertheless they did not abandon the sins of the house of Jeroboam, into which he misled Israel; rather, they walked in them; and the Asherah also remained standing in Samaria. 7 For he left to Jehoahaz no more of the army than fifty horsemen, ten chariots, and ten thousand infantry, because the king of Aram had eliminated them and made them like the dust at threshing. 8 Now as for the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, and all that he did and his might, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? 9 And Jehoahaz lay down with his fathers, and they buried him in Samaria; and his son Joash became king in his place. 10 In the thirty-seventh year of Joash king of Judah, Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz became king over Israel in Samaria, and he reigned for sixteen years. 11 He did evil in the sight of the Lord; he did not turn away from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, into which he misled Israel; rather, he walked in them. 12 Now as for the rest of the acts of Joash and all that he did, and his might with which he fought against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? 13 So Joash lay down with his fathers, and Jeroboam sat on his throne; and Joash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel. 14 When Elisha became sick with the illness of which he was to die, Joash the king of Israel came down to him, and wept over him and said, “My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” 15 And Elisha said to him, “Take a bow and arrows.” So he took a bow and arrows. 16 Then Elisha said to the king of Israel, “Lay your hand on the bow.” And he laid his hand on it, then Elisha put his hands on the king's hands. 17 And he said, “Open the window toward the east,” and he opened it. Then Elisha said, “Shoot!” So he shot. And he said, “The Lord's arrow of victory, and the arrow of victory over Aram; for you will defeat the Arameans at Aphek until you have put an end to them.” 18 Then he said, “Take the arrows,” and he took them. And he said to the king of Israel, “Strike the ground,” and he struck it three times and stopped. 19 Then the man of God became angry at him and said, “You should have struck five or six times, then you would have struck Aram until you put an end to it. But now you shall strike Aram only three times.” 20 And Elisha died, and they buried him. Now the marauding bands of the Moabites would invade the land in the spring of the year. 21 And as they were burying a man, behold, they saw a marauding band; and they threw the man into the grave of Elisha. And when the man touched the bones of Elisha he revived and stood up on his feet. 22 Now Hazael king of Aram had oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz. 23 But the Lord was gracious to them and had compassion on them and turned to them because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and He was unwilling to eliminate them or cast them away from His presence until now. 24 When Hazael king of Aram died, his son Ben-hadad became king in his place. 25 Then Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz again took from the hand of Ben-hadad the son of Hazael the cities which he had taken in war from the hand of his fath...