God has given us wonderful gifts for resisting temptation and overcoming the traps of the enemies in our lives. When we realize that God is for us, and not against us, we are able to boldly access these gifts knowing that God wants us to succeed.
James says, when we face trials than challenge our conduct and choices, we are not to say that "God is tempting me". But this is a strange statement that few people ever say. Paul attempts to explain this statement in 21st century language.
There is a difference between a trial and a test. A trial is something that happens due to life's circumstances, but a test is something that is enacted on us by someone. But who? Who is responsible for the testing of our character and moral choices in the midst of a trial?
When we endure trials we are promised a reward. And it's not just any reward but one that contains a new measure of abundant life.
The letter of James was sent to believers who now had become refugees as they escaped persecution. A lot of their trials were sourced in economic instability and James expected the church, both then and now, to help those who are believers and running for their lives.
If you are a middle class North American then you are wealthy by others standards. But what makes you feel good about yourself? Where do you derive your value and hope from? James calls on us to handle wealth with humility.
We so often doubt that God is either willing, or able, or interested in giving us answers and wisdom for the unforeseen challenges we face. Yet James encourages us that in all things, and in all situations, God is more than willing to give us a wisdom that will be a game changer.
God promises to give us wisdom as we navigate trials - all we have to do is seek God without doubting. James's encouragement is based on the Book of Proverbs that makes wisdom personal and knowable.
One of the most paradoxical statements in scripture is James call to us to "consider our trials as something to be joyful about". What does he mean by this and how can we walk in this?
Today we begin a new series travelling through the epistle of James. Join us as we explore verse 1 of the epistle and learn a little about the background behind this amazing letter.
Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. What Judas did not realize was the prophetic significance, from the Old Testament prophets, regarding the exact payment of these 30 pieces of silver.
As we get ready for Easter we take a look at Jesus in prayer. His time in the garden is an intimate moment with his father where he prepares his spirit and soul with absolute trust in God for what he is about to face.
We are able to hit the enemy where it hurts. We are able to provoke him to the point that he lays off his attack. We have a weapon that causes the enemy to tremble.
How do we stop the relentless attacks from Satan on our thoughts and faith? God has given us a shield of faith that puts an end to the enemies attack on our faith. Let's learn how to use it!
The only offensive weapon we have against the enemy that Paul the apostle lists is "The Sword of the Spirit". When we learn how to use it in prayer, in holding onto promises, and in countering the accusations of the enemy, we start to gain the upper hand in the fight of faith.
We have the Spirit of Christ in us and He is the spirit of prophecy. This means that now, when we read the word, it comes alive. As God visits us in a special way we can expect to see the scriptures become more central in our lives again.
Jesus, in his last message to his disciples in John, speaks about what Holy Spirit will come and accomplish in their lives. It is a powerful teaching on the value of the treasure that lies within us
Only refreshing water quenches a thirst and only the Holy Spirit touches the deeper parts of our lives. Jesus makes this bold proclamation in front of a huge crowd.
The Gospel of John is one of the greatest reservoirs of knowledge regarding what God in doing in all of us through the Holy Spirit. Join us as we journey through the teachings of Jesus regarding the nature of the spirit of prophecy working in us.
The greatest manifestation of the working of the spirit is prophecy. But what is prophecy and is it something that is for a select few or is it something that we all should walk in?
Volkskrieg
It's not about trusting God as much as it's the government trying to be God.
Volkskrieg
The real racism is against white people
Volkskrieg
you said the reading would be too long for the podcast but Joe Rogan's podcast is up to 3 hours long and people can't get enough of it. don't be afraid to take the time you need to get the message out.
Volkskrieg
so I was having a conversation with someone at church. They claimed that Jesus was god or a direct extension. My counter to that was that it says many times that he is the son of God. Now in this podcast you talk about Jesus praying to God. Why would God pray to himself?