Fusion: week of 9/25

FAMILY THEME: GODLY ATTITUDES

James 5:7-20

We are to patiently endure suffering, waiting for God's deliverance.

1.  Be Patient in Suffering, Waiting for Christ's Return

     (James 5:7-9)

     We look forward to Christ's return as a farmer waiting for his 

     harvest to come in.

 
2.  Follow Godly Examples of Being Patient While Suffering

     (James 5:10-12)

     James pointed to Job and the prophets as examples of God's

     people enduring suffering.

 
3.  Patiently Pray in All Circumstances

     (James 5:13-20)

     James instructed believers to pray earnestly in all circumstances. 

Fusion: week of 9/18

FAMILY THEME: GODLY CONDUCT

James 3:1 -  4:12

Godly conduct includes controlling our speech, living humbly and

wisely, and submitting to God's will.

1.  Godly Living Includes Taming the Tongue

     (James 3:1-12)

     James emphasized the benefits of controlling the tongue as well

     as the destruction it can cause if not controlled.

 
2.  Wisdom Results in Godly Conduct That is Selfless and Humble,

     Not Envious and Prideful

     (James 3:13  -  4:3)

     Godly wisdom involves treating others well, while worldly wisdom

     is characterized by selfishness.

 
3.  Godly Conduct Involves Submitting to God Rather Than to

     Selfish Desires

     (James 4:4-12)

     Our lives should be characterized by humble submission to God's

     ways and resistance to our selfish desires.

Fusion: week of 9/11

FAMILY THEME: FAITH IN ACTION

James 2:14-26

While works do not save us, genuine fiath will resul in good works.

1.  Faith Without Action Is Worthless

     (James 2:14-17)

     Serving God and others with our actions demonstrates our faith.

 
2.  Faith is More Than Mere Belief in God

     (James 2:18-19)

     James described the ineptitude of nominally "believing" in God

     for salvation.

 
3.  We Are Counted as Righteous Based on Action-Producing Faith

     (James 2:20-26)

     James pointed to the faithful actions of Abraham and Rahab as

     examples of people acting on their faith. 

Fusion: week of 9/4

FAMILY THEME: FAITH UNDER TRIAL

James 1:1-18

Trials will come, but we can stand firm no matter what we face, and

our faith will grow as a result.

1.  Let God Use Trialsto Test and Grow Our Faith

     (James 1:1-8)

     We can face trials with joy because God uses them to develop our

     perserverance and faith.

 
2.  Glorify God Whatever Our Economic Status

     (James 1:9-11)

     Both the rich and the poor should focus on loving and serving God

     rather than on how much or how little they have.

 
3.  Stand Firm Under Trials and Temptation, Knowing God is Good

     (James 1:12-18)

     God is not the source of evil and temptation. We can look to Him

     for strength and power to stand firm under trials and temptations.