Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
This coming Lord’s Day our sermon series on the Epistle of James will continue as we begin our examination of James 1:13-15. This New Testament letter, addressed to the scattered saints of the first century, is commonly characterized as the most practical of the epistles. One popular commentator has summarized the message of James as ‘Faith works!’ It deals straight up with real-life issues and how we are to face them in light of our commitment to Christ our Lord.
In these three important verses of chapter one James addresses the subject of temptation. And in his typically practical fashion, he lays out for us some of the truths about being tempted that we need to be aware of. For example, he will reveal to us the connection between being tested by God and facing temptation, as well as the significant differences between these two experiences. And then in a most startling and disarming way he will expose for us the true source of our temptations, explicitly noting where temptation does and does not originate. Then, overarching all of this James will reveal the role that our Heavenly Father plays both in our times of trail and in those of temptation as well.
Take a few moments over the weekend to re-read and meditate on the first fifteen verses of James once again, and pray that the Lord will speak with power and clarity to us as we come before Him this Sunday.
Speaking of prayer . . . let me encourage you to be in fervent prayer for our upcoming Vacation Bible School, July 20-22. Please pray for Ashley and her team of leaders as they teach our blessed little ones about the great King who is coming soon!
I love you all and can’t wait to worship our Lord with you this Sunday morning!
In His abundant grace,
Mike