While most churches tend to emphasize either helping the poor or separation from sinful practices, James says that both are necessary. Here, we explore the first challenge: helping the poor. We show how this aligns with what Jesus taught, and has always been foundational in God’s view of righteousness. The lesson concludes with practical suggestions
Many Christians consider their sins of the tongue to be relatively minor transgressions. That is not how James saw it. He said that if we don’t control our tongues, our religion is useless! Jesus also had strong things to say about these sins. In this message, we take a fresh look at the gravity of
James’ directive on speaking and listening may not be easy to follow, but it is key to improving all our relationships. We also examine the sin of unrighteous anger, a destructive force that has caused tremendous spiritual and emotional damage to many. We ask: Is anger ever justified? Does God get angry? Do you have
Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak, Slow to Wrath (James 1:9-21) View Lesson
Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak, Slow to Wrath (James 1:9-21) View Lesson
We all desperately need spiritual wisdom. We need it to make important decisions regarding marriage, raising children, careers, friendships, where to live, how we spend our money… so many things! Church leaders especially need it to know how to best guide and protect the flock. In this lesson, we review the importance of wisdom and
Martin Luther referred to James as “an epistle of straw” and something to “fire his stove” with. This letter has caused heartburn for Luther and many Protestants. However, it is a treasure for us, filled with practical teaching to help Christians face a full range of day-to-day challenges. In this first lesson, James calls us
What does Christian prayer look like? Do the Scriptures teach us how to pray effectively? In our first part of this two-part series (see Teach Us to Pray, Pt. 1, posted 2/7/26), we worked through each phrase of the Lord's Prayer, what early Christian teacher Tertullian considered our prayer foundation. In this lesson, we move
Many are surprised when they discover what Jesus and the apostles taught about what happens after we die. It does not align with what is said at most Christian funerals today! In this message, we straighten out popular misconceptions and build a Scriptural framework to help us better prepare for our own deaths. Teaching Notes
This foundational lesson could transform your understanding of faith and the way you live the Christian life. We take a deep dive into what the Scriptures teach on this, using examples from men and women of faith who have gone before. From these, we distill four essential characteristics of the kind of faith we must
This final lesson from Deuteronomy features several prophecies about Jesus. We see Him foreshadowed in the unusual blessing given to Joseph’s tribe, in the details surrounding Moses’ death, and in the name of the man chosen to finish the mission (Joshua, or Jesus). Then the closing words point us back to one of the most
Most Christians today view the fear of God as either an inferior motivation, or (worse) an Old Testament concept that was entirely superseded by the love of God under the new covenant. In this sobering message, we challenge those misconceptions. Jesus and the apostles held up a healthy fear of God as still incredibly important