One of the things we neglect most as followers of Christ is prayer. Our prayer life becomes alive in times of crisis and dies in the good times of life. We need a life-driven prayer life. Prayer is the secret weapon that most believers fail to tap into. Listen to this message from James 5:13-20 and realize the importance of prayer in your life.
Matthew 6:21 says, "Where your treasure is there your heart will be also." What we value in our "treasure chest" aka "heart" will revolve around one of two things: indulgence or investment. In James 5:1-6, James is addressing people who's view of riches has caused them to be consumed with indulgence on themselves instead of investment in what God values. This message will challenge you to ask yourself, "What is in your treasure chest and are you being obedient to God?"
There is a fundamental principle James makes clear in 2:14-26 - Saving Faith Lives Out. We must remember the way we live our lives as followers of Jesus Christ gives evidence to our faith in Jesus Christ.
Too many Christians today are playing favorites. Favoritism is a plague in our Christian circles. We are so quick to judge others who are different from us and forget what God calls us to - living our lives in the light of God's mercy. Praise God that he doesn't play favorites or we all would be in trouble. In James 2:1-13, he challenges the church at Jerusalem to avoid favoritism and instead embrace others with love and mercy. Listen to this message on the danger of favoritism.
When you look in the mirror do you like what you see? If you don't do you ignore it or fix it? James shares with us in 1:19-27 the importance of not being someone who simply hears instruction from the Bible, but one who applies it to their life. So what do you see when you look in the mirror of the Bible?