James 5:7-11
Patience is more than just waiting – it’s actively enduring trials by focusing on God’s nearness. Rob Walls discusses what it means to be patient through spiritual temptations and trials as we wait for the Lord’s return. He urges believers to follow biblical examples of those who endured suffering with faith and trust in God’s faithfulness. He is faithful, even when we don’t understand what He’s doing.
Bruce Baker walks through James 4:6-10, outlining 6 practical steps for returning to God.
Like the prodigal son, the way back home is to turn around and walk toward the open arms of our patient and loving Heavenly Father. What steps do you need to take today to return to closeness with God? Are there areas of grief or repentance He is calling you to? Make this the start of a revival in your own heart.
If you are not a Christian and would like to know more, reach out. We would love to talk with you.
Church Counselor Kevin Richard discusses the quarrels and conflicts already arising in the early church. He unpacks the root causes of disunity and “friendly fire” among believers – our own sinful desires. Though Christ had only been gone a short time, believers were already giving in to fleshly desires that bred bitter quarrels and dissension.
James pinpoints the root issue as hedonistic desires that wage war within our hearts. When we coddle these desires, conflict is the inevitable result. James’ solution is humble submission to God, which resists the devil, draws near to God, repents of sin, and grieves over divisions.
Humility requires putting God’s mission over personal preferences and desires. When we lay aside our own agendas to advance the gospel together, we reflect the unity of our Savior. As we submit ourselves wholly to God, we will walk in greater unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ. The fruit of humility is unity and harmony within the church.
James opens chapter 4 with hard truths for the church. According to James 4:1-3, what causes fights, quarrels and conflicts?
In his sermon on James 3:13-18, Tom Bruce examines how to walk in godly wisdom versus worldly wisdom. Have we made the wise decision to follow Christ? Do we need to crucify our flesh and obey God’s call, even if it’s uncomfortable? He challenges us to commit more deeply to Christ and His work. Even when God calls us out of our comfort zone, He grants the courage to follow Him.
Drawing on James 2:14-26, Executive Pastor Greg Bath tackles a classic controversy – the relationship between faith and works. James 2 makes clear that while we are saved by faith alone through Christ’s finished work, genuine faith inevitably results in good works.
BCM Director Blake Grundy challenges us to examine if our faith consists of empty words or real, meaningful action. Using James 1:21-27, he outlines three essential steps. First, we must make an initial effort to remove sin from our lives while also filling our hearts with scripture. Second, we need a true commitment to living for Jesus, not just when others are watching but in private as well. True religion cares for the helpless and rejects worldly pollution. Finally, regular spiritual checkups are required. We cannot forget the things God reveals in us that need changing.
Life hands us many difficulties – financial strains, health issues, relational conflicts. We often respond with frustration, anger, or despair. But what if there was another way? A way to face trials with joy rather than misery? In his letter to scattered believers, James, the brother of Jesus, challenges us to consider it “pure joy” whenever we encounter trials (James 1:2). At first, this seems absurd – who enjoys troubles? But James says our struggles have a purpose – to test and strengthen our faith. What if the key to overcoming hardship is embracing it rather than avoiding it? Listen as Kevin Richard shares biblical guidance for finding joy in trials.
Life is filled with trials, but how should Christians respond? In James 1:1-18, the half-brother of Jesus challenges believers to “consider it pure joy” when facing struggles of many kinds (v.2). Why? Because trials test our faith and develop perseverance in us (v.3). As we lean into God during difficulties, we grow in maturity and Christlikeness.
James reminds us that trials serve a purpose – they are allowed by God to shape us. So we should not waste our sorrows but see them as opportunities for spiritual growth. When we embrace this perspective, we can face pain with joy, knowing God is using it for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).
