Have Confidence in Him: James 1:2-12
Stand Confident
READ: James 1:2-12
CHALLENGE: Put your confidence in Jesus
My ultimate confidence is in Jesus. Jesus is faithful, not a politician who makes empty promises. He is righteous and just, with power and authority. Through His love and sacrifice, He freely gives us forgiveness and redemption. If we believe in Him and what He has done, we will be given eternal life. This life is only a fleeting moment that we are passing through until we reach our eternal home.
Today’s challenge is to put your confidence in Jesus.
Let’s look at James 1:2-12 to understand why we can stand confident in Jesus and Jesus alone. Open your Bibles or turn on your phones to James 1:2-3:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
Consider It Pure Joy!
One unique aspect of the book of James is how it starts boldly with a challenging command: to find joy in the difficult things happening to us. James tells us that trials will come our way, not if but when. These trials test our faith, producing perseverance. Trials are not just walks through the valleys but are designed to reveal the quality of our faith and build spiritual stamina.
Testing and Perseverance
Just as James 2:19 reminds us, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder,” our faith must go beyond mere belief. Trials test this faith, just as an intense downpour tested the sump pump in my basement, flooding it and causing a mess. Through hard work and perseverance, we fixed the problem and emerged stronger. Similarly, trials shape our character and strengthen our faith, just as fixing the basement strengthened my marriage.
Working Your Faith Muscle
What are you doing to strengthen your faith muscle? Attending church is a good start, but it’s not enough. Like working out at a gym, you must actively engage with your faith through prayer, Bible study, and witnessing to others. If you don’t, you risk becoming spiritually weak and vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks. 1 Peter 5:8 warns us: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Perseverance and Wisdom
James 1:4-5 says: “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” We need perseverance to become mature and complete Christians. Pray daily, asking God for wisdom. He will give it generously, not based on our worthiness but on our request.
Believing Without Doubting
James 1:6-8 reminds us to believe and not doubt: “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” Doubt can destabilize our faith. Strengthen your faith by reading the Bible, praying, and engaging with a faith community. God desires our trust and rewards our faith.
Finding Contentment in God
James 1:9-11 advises us to take pride in humble circumstances and find contentment in God. Wealth does not impress God; spiritual growth does. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:26, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” God values our hearts, not our possessions.
The Crown of Life
James 1:12 promises, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” Standing strong through trials results in God’s reward, both in this life and in the next. Our eternal salvation is based solely on faith in Christ, leading to enriched eternal life for those who persevere.
As we close, reflect on what your confidence is built upon. Is it in the temporary things of this world or in the eternal promise of Jesus? Fix your eyes on Jesus, ask for what you lack, and stand confident in Him.
Connect with Eagleville Bible Church:
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Website – www.eagleville.church
The Power of Righteousness : Genesis 18:16-33
The Power of Righteousness
READ: Genesis 18:16-33
CHALLENGE: Pursue Righteousness
A. THERE IS POWER IN RIGHTEOUSNESS (vv. 16-19)
Vv. 16-19: “When the men got up to leave, they looked down toward Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them on their way. Then the Lord said, ‘Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.’”
The importance of righteousness cannot be overstated. While we cannot control the actions of the world around us, we have the power to control our own actions and live for God. Abraham’s visitors were on a divine mission to investigate Sodom and Gomorrah, leading to their eventual destruction—a sobering reality.
These men looked down at Sodom, indicating a position of height. Abraham, living outside the city’s evil, stayed above the moral muck and mire. God contemplated whether to reveal His plans to Abraham, highlighting the significance of Abraham’s future. God’s reasoning for sharing this privileged information was rooted in who Abraham was and who he was becoming.
The Power of Becoming
Abraham was chosen because of his potential. Although childless with Sarah at the time, God saw what Abraham would become—a great and powerful nation. This underscores the principle that it’s not just about who we are today, but who we are becoming. A positive future requires present righteousness. We cannot impact future generations positively without living rightly today.
The Power of Legacy
Abraham’s influence extended beyond his immediate family. Nations would be blessed through him, ultimately through Jesus Christ. This legacy is a testament to the exponential impact of righteous living. We have the potential to leave a profound legacy by leading others to follow Christ, impacting countless lives.
The Power of Character
God’s confidence in Abraham stemmed from his character. Abraham was chosen to direct his children and household to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just. Our character can impact others more than our actions. The legacy of Abraham’s faith and righteousness is a powerful reminder that our choices and character have long-lasting effects.
B. DESTRUCTION IN WICKEDNESS (vv. 20-33)
Vv. 20-21: “Then the Lord said, ‘The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know.'”
The grievous sins of Sodom and Gomorrah led to their destruction. The outcry against them was a cry for help from those suffering under their wickedness. Sin, which may seem beneficial to the sinner, often harms others. The impact of righteousness is profound, as demonstrated by Abraham’s intercession for Sodom. Though the city was ultimately destroyed due to the lack of righteous people, Abraham’s plea highlights the potential power of righteous individuals to impact and potentially save even a corrupt society.
Pursue righteousness, knowing that it holds power to shape your future, influence others, and leave a lasting legacy.
Connect with Eagleville Bible Church:
Facebook – www.facebook.com/eaglevillebiblechurch
Apple Podcasts – http://appstore.com/eaglevillebiblechurch
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/eaglevillebiblechurch
YouTube – @eaglevillebiblechurch
Website – www.eagleville.church
Parental Confidence – Genesis 18:9
In this episode of Soaring Faith, we explore Genesis 18:9 and the powerful lessons it holds for parents. God had a plan for Abraham and Sarah, and He has a plan for you and your family as well. We’ll dive into how God promotes togetherness in parenting, emphasizing the importance of communication and unity within the family. Discover why it’s crucial to understand and support each other, ensuring both parents are aligned in their journey of raising children. We’ll also discuss God’s responsiveness to our hearts and His limitless power to do the impossible. Join us as we challenge ourselves to parent with confidence in God, knowing that He hears our hearts and can accomplish great things through us. Be encouraged and inspired to embrace God’s plan for your family and trust in His unwavering strength.
Connect with Eagleville Bible Church:
Facebook – www.facebook.com/eaglevillebiblechurch
Apple Podcasts – http://appstore.com/eaglevillebiblechurch
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/eaglevillebiblechurch
YouTube – @eaglevillebiblechurch
Website – www.eagleville.church
Deliberate (Full Service)
Thank you for joining Eagleville Bible Church. We are so glad that you have decided to spend some time with us, and we hope that as a result you will be drawn closer to God as you worship with us today. God bless.
If you want to give in support of this ministry, please click here; http://eagleville.church/give. You can also send a check to 1981 St. Rt. 45 Rock Creek, OH 44084.
Waldameer Family Meet-Up! #amusementpark #goodday #family
It was a good day at Waldameer for our Family Meet-Up!!
God and Our Lives
In this episode of Soaring Faith, we dive into the extraordinary encounter between God and Abraham in Genesis 18:1. Discover how God meets us in the ordinary details of our daily lives, revealing His presence in unexpected ways. We explore the significance of seeing God in our everyday moments and the profound impact it can have on our faith journey. Join us as we discuss how to be open to divine appointments, the importance of seeking God’s favor, and how to respond when God shows up in our lives. Tune in and be inspired to meet God in the ordinary and experience His extraordinary presence.
Connect with Eagleville Bible Church:
Facebook – www.facebook.com/eaglevillebiblechurch
Apple Podcasts – http://appstore.com/eaglevillebiblechurch
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/eaglevillebiblechurch
YouTube – @eaglevillebiblechurch
Website – www.eagleville.church
Finding Faith in a Chicken Coop #Faith #ChristianLiving #TrustGod
Pastor Brad’s new chickens were thrilled when he opened their coop, but soon ran back inside. Like them, we can revert to familiar sins despite finding Jesus. Stay strong, trust in Him, and break free.
#FaithJourney #TrustGod #OvercomeSin #NewLifeInChrist #StayStrong #ChristianLiving #HopeInJesus #FaithOverFear #addiction
Have Confidence in Him (Full Service)
Thank you for joining Eagleville Bible Church. We are so glad that you have decided to spend some time with us, and we hope that as a result you will be drawn closer to God as you worship with us today. God bless.
If you want to give in support of this ministry, please click here; http://eagleville.church/give. You can also send a check to 1981 St. Rt. 45 Rock Creek, OH 44084.
See you Sunday! Invite a friend! #trickshot #trick #madeit
EBC Jungle Jim Expedition Skit
This was a great VBS Skit!