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A Faith That Endures (pt.2)

A Faith That Endures (pt.2)

Jun 11, 2023

Passage: James 1:5-16

Preacher: Rob Holster

Series: The Rules of Following Jesus

Summary:

Rules are sometimes frowned upon in a grace-filled church like ours. We have an aversion to rules–like a child does when parents lay them down and then–*gasp*–they attempt to enforce them. For the Christ-life is all about freedom and grace, and salvation comes by grace through faith–not by good works–not by following the rules. However, we should approach this book (which is filled with truths that we might call rules), with the attitude that we need guidance while on the journey with Jesus. He's called us out of the world to be different–not to conform to it. I've titled this series, The Rules of Following Jesus, because that's what they are–in a way. And we shouldn't shudder at the thought of obeying rules, because they're more like "life hacks" in the modern, internet-age vernacular. These truths, or rules, are how we are to walk with Christ in a world gone mad. And they're not meant to stifle us or frustrate us–they're meant to bring us joy. Such as last week's message, where I covered verses 1-4. It is there we are admonished to count it all joy when we face trials of various kinds. And of course that flies in the face of human nature and the world's thinking. But it also opens the door to a transformed mind. One that is not confined by our sinful fleshly limitations–but is freed to experience the full, abundant life Jesus has given us. And indeed, this life is marked by patient endurance and steady growth. The rules of following Jesus in James are food for that growth. We're going to be challenged over and over again to see things differently, consider our attitudes in new ways, and to act in keeping with the indwelling Holy Spirit.

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