On James 4

On Testimony with Richie Brandt

Richie Brandt asked to share a piece of his testimony. He once was lost, but now he's found, and he wants everyone to find the same hope in Jesus. Even through daily struggles, Richie perseveres because the Lord is with him.

On James 5

We conclude our James study with the final chapter, in which James takes us full circle having made his case on what it means to "consider it all joy, brothers and sisters, when you undergo trials of various kinds."

On James 4

James 4 presents five different words for desire as the author leads us to the climax and resolution of his instruction and encouragement as we stand firm, resist the devil, and humbly submit our will to the Lord's will.

On James 2

James 2 confronts favoritism, works, and dead faith. Favoritism desires our own honor by associating with those we deem honorable and excluding those we deem below us. It's idolatry of self and status; faith in image, not in God. I love James 2:12. Speak and act as one who will be judged by the law of freedom. We are not under the law of Moses, but under freedom in Christ. Our faith in Christ, if alive, produces words and actions that reveal our faith and reflect on Jesus. Not works like the law of Moses, but works of love, mercy, wisdom, humility, endurance, and service.

On Faith and Civic Responsibility

Allen and Ryan discuss our role in government and community as Christians in light of the current election season. You are encouraged to keep God first and seek His will on the issues (economy, life, justice, injustice, immigration & outsiders, race, sexuality). Discern His standard - both vote and live in a way that draws you closer to His standard, not farther away.