James 2:8-12  (HCSB)8 Indeed, if you keep the royal law prescribed in the Scripture, Love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well. 9 But if you show favoritism, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the entire law, yet fails in one point, is guilty of breaking it all. 11 For He who said, Do not commit adultery, also said, Do not murder. So if you ...  Read More

James 2:1-7  (HCSB)The Sin of Favoritism2 My brothers, do not show favoritism as you hold on to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. 2 For example, a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and a poor man dressed in dirty clothes also comes in. 3 If you look with favor on the man wearing the fine clothes and say, “Sit here in a good place,” and yet you ...  Read More

Living Out Our FaithJames 1:26-27  (HCSB)26 If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, then his religion is useless and he deceives himself. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.Dana DorrisIn these two scriptures, James is giving us both a warning and a d...  Read More

Faith That EnduresMaintain a positive attitude toward trials, knowing God uses them to develop our faith.KEY TRUTH: God Uses Trials to Test and Grow Our Faith (James 1:1–8)KEY TRUTH: Both Poverty and Wealth Bring Trials (James 1:9–11)KEY TRUTH: Our Own Sinful Desires Entice Us to Sin (James 1:12–25)FAMILY CONNECTION:  CONTINUE THE DISCUSSION AFTER CHURCH!What is joy? (A delightful contentment from...  Read More

How do you define trials? How can you apply James 1:2 to your life? What trial are you facing? What does it mean to experience the joy of His salvation? According to Psalm 51:12, what does it mean to you to experience joy when facing trials? What do we do if we lack wisdom (James 1:5)? Why are we reluctant to ask God for guidance?What does it mean to be quick to listen and slow to speak? Are you a...  Read More

James 1:22-25 (HCSB)22 But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his own face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forg...  Read More

James 1:19-21  (HCSB)Hearing and Doing the Word19 My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, 20 for man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. 21 Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and evil, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save you.Shannon JamisonAre we slow to speak and quick to listen, w...  Read More

James 1:16-18 (HCSB)16 Don’t be deceived, my dearly loved brothers. 17 Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning. 18 By His own choice, He gave us a new birth by the message of truth so that we would be the firstfruits of His creatures.Shannon JamisonThe best gift God gave us is His Son, ...  Read More

 James 1:12-15  (HCSB)12 A man who endures trials is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.13 No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God.” For God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn’t tempt anyone. 14 But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. ...  Read More

James 1:1-11 (HCSB)Greeting1 James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ:To the 12 tribes in the Dispersion.Greetings.Trials and Maturity2 Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.5 Now if any of ...  Read More

WISDOM FOR DAILY LIVINGWe don’t become wise automatically. We must seek out wisdom, accept it, and put it into practice.KEY TRUTH: Those Who Seek and Practice Godly Wisdom Will Know and Fear God (Proverbs 2:1–5)KEY TRUTH: Following Godly Wisdom Is the Best Way to Live (Proverbs 2:6-8)KEY TRUTH: Following Godly Wisdom Keeps Us on the Right Path (Proverbs 2:9–22)FAMILY CONNECTION: CONTINUE THE DISCU...  Read More

How can you apply the teachings from this chapter when dealing with temptation and making moral decisions?How can wisdom protect you from the negative influences in society? How can wisdom guard and protect you in your day-to-day experiences?How do you interpret the connection between wisdom, understanding, and joy in your life? How does seeking wisdom help in cultivating a strong moral character?...  Read More