Northlakes Christian Church

John 21:15-19

Mark 2:14-17

James 1:2-4 Joy in Trials? Defining of Terms a. Consider b. Joy c. When d. Various Trials e. Rejoice 3 Reasons why we can consider our trials great joy! 1. James 2:3 ….because we know they produce Endurance 2. James 1:4 …..because Endurance leads to maturity and completeness. 3. James 1:2, 4 ….because the value of maturity is greater than the value of the absence of trials. Questions: What does this passage tell us about Christ? – Jesus endured trials with joy for us (Heb 12:1-2) and now enables us to do it. Jesus is good to me and gives me trials for my good – he’s wise. Application: How am I failing to rejoice in and live as if this were true about who Jesus is and what he did? I don’t rejoice in trials because I don’t see Christ’s design, I don’t feel his power, and I don’t want his aim of maturity. I complain, I wish trials were gone, and I don’t endure them actively for growth but tolerate them for lack of another viable option.

Today's sermon introduced the Book of James which we'll be covering for several weeks. Here are a few key verses and an outline of the book: James 1:22 NASB 22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. James 2:26 NASB 26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. James 4:7-8 NASB 7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 5:19-20 NASB 19 My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. Outline of the Book of James · Greetings (1:1) · Trials and Temptations (1:2–18) o The Testing of Faith (1:2–12) o The Source of Temptation (1:13–18) · Listening and Doing (1:19–27) · Favouritism Forbidden (2:1–13) · Faith and Deeds (2:14–26) · Taming the Tongue (3:1–12) · Two Kinds of Wisdom (3:13–18) · Warning against Worldliness (ch. 4) o Quarrelsomeness (4:1–3) o Spiritual Unfaithfulness (4:4) o Pride (4:5–10) o Slander (4:11–12) o Boasting (4:13–17) · Warning to Rich Oppressors (5:1–6) · Miscellaneous Exhortations (5:7–20) o Concerning Patience in Suffering (5:7–11) o Concerning Oaths (5:12) o Concerning the Prayer of Faith (5:13–18) o Concerning Those Who Wander from the Truth (5:19–20)

Church = ἐκκλησία - ekklēsia - Gathering The early church was one anothering one another Ephesians 4:32 (NLT) 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 5:21 (NLT) 21 And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Romans 15:5-13 (NLT) 5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. 6 Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. 8 Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews[a] to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors. 9 He also came so that the Gentiles might give glory to God for his mercies to them. That is what the psalmist meant when he wrote: “For this, I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing praises to your name.” 10 And in another place it is written, “Rejoice with his people, you Gentiles.” 11 And yet again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles. Praise him, all you people of the earth.” 12 And in another place Isaiah said, “The heir to David’s throne will come, and he will rule over the Gentiles. They will place their hope on him.” 13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 6:1 (NLT) 6 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Galatians 6:2 (NLT) 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. Hebrews 3:13 (NASB) 13 But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Colossians 3:13 (NIV) 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. John 13:34-35 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Marie and I love you guys and will miss you like crazy! Keep up with us on our Instagram @bolligsdownunder and on Facebook.

The Bible is a book like no other. The sacred text can arguably be considered the most influential book ever published. “The influence of the Bible is worldwide,” wrote Arthur Pink, the Christian evangelist. “Its mighty power has affected every department of human activity. The contents of the Scriptures have supplied themes for the greatest poets, artists and musicians which the world has yet produced, and have been the mightiest factor of all in shaping the moral progress of the race.” *The Bible: World Best Seller According to The Guinness Book of World Records, since 1815 the Bible has sold approximately 2.5 billion copies and has been translated into more than 2,200 languages or dialects. *The Bible: Used in our Society Without the Bible, the story of Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand and other nations would be totally different. The same could be said for modern Africa, where 60% of the people are Christians and a large majority of the states are now Christian. *The Bible: Influence on Language and Culture The Bible is quoted more often than any other piece of literature in history. *The Bible: Literature The novels that have had the most impact on literature have strong biblical influences The Bible: Film! Film is a highly popular medium in society all over the world and the Bible has influenced society through films that have biblical references. *The Bible: Art! The Bible has also influenced society by its presence in the great art throughout history. *The Bible: Laws and Morality In societies where the Bible is widely read, this sacred book is highly influential, becoming the foundation of morality in society. *The Bible: The very word of God! The Bible means a lot to our world and has contributed in a major way.....it has changed the world we live in but is it changing you?