Real Faith!

Hey everyone, my apology for writing my Monday Morning Blog on Wednesday afternoon!

Last Sunday we explored some Vital Signs of Real Faith out of James 2:14-26. The following are some questions to consider as we seek to flesh out real faith in Jesus Christ. 

1. Corroborating evidence proves what we say is true. Take a minute and name 2 or 3 things about someone else (could be someone in your small group or not) that you see as strong proofs (corroborating evidence) for their claim to be a real Christian.
2. We discussed four vital signs or proofs out of James 2:14-26: Real Faith shows compassion for the basic needs of another, it changes the direction of our lives (it changes our desires, attitudes, actions etc), it trusts God (it gets into the wheel barrow of life!), and it serves God and others. Take at least one of these four and share how it is working in your life. Of the four, which area do you feel needs the most improvement in your life? Why?
3. We finished with Basics for Building Real Faith: Stay connected with God, stay grateful to God, and stay humble before God. Describe some habits that are helping you grow in these foundational practices.

It is my prayer that all of us will over time increase the evidence (i.e., “Fruit” Jn. 15:8) for our claim to be a real followers of Jesus Christ!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Frank

Winning Over Favoritism!

Happy Monday everyone!

Yesterday we focused on the subject of favoritism out of James 2:1-13. Favoritism is judging one person’s worth above another. Here are some questions to consider this week as we work out what God is working in our lives.

1. Without sharing any names, describe a time when you were the target of favoritism. How did it make you feel? How about a time you showed favoritism?
2. Why does James stress the importance of our faith affecting the way we treat others? Read James 2:1 & 4 and then discuss it.
3. One of the truths James points to that helps us win over favoritism is the fact that as followers of Jesus, we are accountable to God for our actions (James 2:12). How does this fact affect the way you “speak and act”? How should it affect us?
4. James boldly declares in 2:13 that “Mercy triumphs over judgment!” A practice that has helped me to cultivate a merciful or loving pattern in my life is to remind myself of the incredible love and mercy God continually shows me. It is helpful to revisit Paul’s words to Titus, Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. ⁴ But—“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, ⁵ he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.⁶ He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. (Titus 3:3-6, NLT). What are some additional ways to help us stay on track with loving our neighbor—practices that help protect us from falling into critical or condemning patterns?                                                                                                                                                           May “Mercy triumph over judgment!” in our lives and in the lives of people we see and speak to each day.

Have a great week!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Frank

True Freedom!

Hello everyone! I trust your Fourth of July holiday was a great one. Last Sunday we celebrated our national independence and looked at the independence or freedom the Bible celebrates out of the Letter of Galatians...a freedom from the tyranny of sin and the selfishness it produces. Galatians offers a prescription for personal freedom while exposing the four foes that hinder our freedom (perfectionism, legalism, conformism, and indulgence).

Here are some questions to consider as you work through last Sunday’s teaching.

1. How does the statement, “I don’t have to be perfect to please God” affect the way you worship and serve God? How does it influence your view of God?
2. Why is it important to measure my maturity by the depth of my relationship with Jesus and not a list of rules I keep? Read a portion of Jesus’ scathing diatribe against the religious leaders of His day (Matthew 23:13-28). As you read, notice the “relationship” versus “rules” theme. Finally, read verse 37...what does it say about Jesus’ heart and motive?
3. Share a time when you said or did something that was influenced more by another person rather than by God and what His Word teaches. Share a time when you obeyed God even though it made you less liked by another. Which approach produced the most joy in your life?
4. A deepening relationship with Jesus is foundational to living free from habits and issues that harm others and us. Galatians teaches that freedom is for serving and giving to others (Gal. 5:13-15).  Talk about some practical ways we can live out the truth recorded in Galatians 5:13-15.

May our great God lead us forward in the freedom that was paid for by Jesus’ death and resurrection. In Christ alone we have the potential to experience and enjoy a personal independence day every day!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Frank