June 2, 2019 - A Test of Faith - James 1:1-12

We are turning our attention this summer to the New Testament to the Letter of James. Some would say James is mostly an instruction manual for ethical living. It’s about obedience and doing good works. But, it’s so much more. The Book of James answers the question: What are we supposed to do in the midst of trials of suffering? What are we supposed to do in the midst of testing from God? What are we supposed to do in the midst of temptations with sin? In James’ mind that’s all really one question. And the answer is seemingly paradoxical. We are supposed to rejoice. The world would say that’s crazy. We’re going to hear why James says it’s not. The heartbeat of James is not morality or good works. It’s certainly not suffering. The heartbeat of James is joy.

 

Pastor Blake Arnoult