Sanctify My Heart/Troy Church of Christ

James 2:14-26

Never one to beat around the bush, James tackles the issue of real, transforming faith versus faith that turns out to be nothing but empty words. Join us as we look at how we can have a real, vibrant, life-changing faith that is the lifeblood of the kingdom of God.

James, Jesus' brother and the author of the passage we're looking at today, was not a man to beat around the bush. In this broadcast of Sanctify My Heart, we'll look at what he has to say about favoritism based on economics and social standing, and how it has NO place in the kingdom of God. As is often said, all ground is level at the foot of the cross.

"My brothers, do not show favoritism as you hold on to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. For example, a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and a poor man dressed in dirty clothes also comes in. If you look with favor on the man wearing the fine clothes and say, “Sit here in a good place,” and yet you say to the poor man, “Stand over there,” or, “Sit here on the floor by my footstool,” haven’t you discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?" James 2:1-4, HCSB

• Where do temptations come from?
• Where to blessings originate?
• Is there REALLY a silver lining in every cloud, or is that just fluff?

James, the brother of Jesus and author of the book of James in the Bible, will help us find good answers to these questions in this broadcast of Sanctify My Heart.

**Part of a series on the book of James called Draw Near to God**

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." James 1:2-3, NIV

In his passage is found one of the greatest hopes, and one the greatest challenges in life. Trials and hardships in life are like the sun--the same sun that softens wax hardens the clay. James wants to make sure that we have a choice in matter--whether our hearts are hardened or softened by trials--and encourages us to gain a healthy perspective. Join us as we begin a new journey through the letter of James here at Sanctify My Heart.

* A study/discussion guide for this message can be downloaded at the following link:
http://bit.ly/zOwMH0

This week we are in Acts chapter 4, as the apostles Peter and John are dragged before the religious leaders for healing a man in the name of Jesus, and sharing the good news of salvation in Jesus' name.  

In their actions and their testimony, we find a great example of faith and courage, one that encourage and challenge us in our own walk with Christ.

This young couple, faced with extraordinary news and as many questions and fears, are a tremendous example of faith and trust as they follow God's leading through some overwhelming circumstances.

"When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”

"...Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little."

Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

Luke 7:39, 44-49 (NIV'84)

When Peter received a vision on the rooftop of Simon's home, he had no idea what it meant, or how it would shake the very foundations of the world he'd always known, but God was preparing him for a radical change that would blow open the doors of the Kingdom of God to all mankind, everywhere.

"You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
- Galatians 3:26-28 (NIV84)

"A broken and contrite heart the Lord will not despise." (Psalm 51)

This is a message originally given at the Camp Hunt Men's Retreat. The them was "Rise Up, O Men of God" and this message, "Men of Confidence", looks at the life of the apostle Peter, and his ability to find courage and strength in Christ even after moments of failure and frustration.

Faced with the choice to deny their faith and bow down to the king's ego-driven emperor worship, these three brave men stood firm. They trusted Jehovah God even though it meant possible execution, and God delivered them through it all, convincing even the king that Jehovah is truly God.

If you're facing trials and hardship and pressure to conform instead of living by faith, you'll find this an encouraging challenge to stand your ground.

"My purpose in writing is simply this: that you who believe in God's Son will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life, the reality and not the illusion. And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he's listening."

1st John 5:13-14, The Message

"In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life."
~ II Corinthians 2:14-15a, The Message

"And Jesus Christ was revealed as God’s Son by his baptism in water and by shedding his blood on the cross — not by water only, but by water and blood. And the Spirit, who is truth, confirms it with his testimony. So we have these three witnesses — the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and all three agree. Since we believe human testimony, surely we can believe the greater testimony that comes from God. And God has testified about his Son. All who believe in the Son of God know in their hearts that this testimony is true. Those who don’t believe this are actually calling God a liar because they don’t believe what God has testified about his Son.
And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life."
~1st John 5:6-12, NLT

"Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."

1 John 5:1-5, NIV

Love. We talk a lot about it--its joys, trials, depth, scope, challenges, emotions--but if we wanted to know what the truest, purest, most undefiled meaning of love really is...where would we go? The apostle John shares the answer to this question in chapter four of his letter to new Christians, 1st John. Join us in this broadcast of Sanctify My Heart as we explore John's message on truth and love.

"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world."
1st John 4:1-3, NIV

"By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us."
1st John 3:16-24, ESV

This week we look at Jesus healing a Centurion's servant and raising a widow's only son from the dead, as Christ shows both his compassion and his authority over life and death.

"I see where you live, right under the shadow of Satan's throne. But you continue boldly in my Name; you never once denied my Name, even when the pressure was worst, when they martyred Antipas, my witness who stayed faithful to me on Satan's turf. But why do you indulge that Balaam crowd? Don't you remember that Balaam was an enemy agent, seducing Balak and sabotaging Israel's holy pilgrimage by throwing unholy parties? And why do you put up with the Nicolaitans, who do the same thing? Enough! Don't give in to them; I'll be with you soon..." Revelation 2:13-16 (The Message)

The Christians at Smyrna were undergoing some tremendous trials. Persecuted by the government, slandered by their neighbors, and losing their jobs and homes, they had some steep hills to climb. But Jesus himself writes them a note of encouragement to keep holding on, reminding them of the reward that lies ahead. Join us as we explore the victory that can come from staying true to our faith in even the darkest of trials.

Fresh off the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus comes face to face with people who were wrestling with life and death. One was a leper, the other a Roman centurion, both had one thing in common: faith that if anyone could help, it would be Jesus of Nazareth. Join us as we explore the stories of their encounters with Jesus, and catch a glimpse of how our encounter with Jesus could indeed impact our own story.

A man by the name of Nicodemus came to Jesus in the night with questions for this new, intriguing teacher in town. He new Jesus was someone special--someone sent to Israel by God Himself--but he wasn't prepared for the life-changing truths Jesus would provide that night.

"This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous. Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers."

~1st John 3:11-16, (NIV, 1984)

As John warns the young first-century church that receive his letter about not being lead astray by false heresies, he answers a question that might follow his warning: how can I tell if someone really is from God, and how can I ready myself for eternity, making sure I'M truly a child of God?

You hear a lot of talk and a lot theories and see many books dedicated to who "the antichrist" just might be. But what may surprise you most is what the Bible actually says about the antichrist(s), the identifying marks, and how little the apostle John's description has to do with modern booksellers' sensationalist wares.

You may also find that the fruit of the antichrists bad ideas has more influence on your own worldview that you'd expect. Join us in this study of 1st John 2 as we delve into John's description and warnings of the dangers of "the antichrist(s)."

Why does it matter that Jesus became a man with flesh and bones? What are the ramifications? Why does John the apostle teach in his writings that this a core and indispensable teaching of Christianity?

"Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him."

1st Corinthians 1:26-29, NIV

As successful as Satan is at causing mayhem and spiritual destruction, you might think he has an incredible arsenal at his disposal, but truth be told, he has just gotten very good at fishing for his targets with three simple lures -- lures that John the apostle warns us about in this study of 1st John. Join us as we see what they are, and learn how not to fall for them in this week's Sanctify My Heart.

"I love God, but I don't have to love His people."
Is that true?  Is a relationship with God possible without loving His people?

"Love your neighbor as yourself."
Did you know that Jesus actually changed that command?  Do you know what change he made and how it affects you and me and our relationships?

For answers to these questions, we go to 1st John 2:7-11 in this week's broadcast of Sanctify My Heart.

Luke 17:3-5 3 So watch yourselves. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. 4 If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him." 5 The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" (NIV)

* Due to a technical difficulty at the radio station, this week's program was unable to uploaded.  We'll resume our study of 1st John on this podcast next week.  This lesson is presented from our archives, and is a message on the importance forgiveness, originally delivered at the Camp Hunt Family Weekend.  God bless and thank you for listening!

John wrote this letter to Christians in the first century to help them understand and know who they were in Christ, what hope they had in Christ, and how being a disciple of Jesus should look when the rubber meets the road.  In the beginning of chapter 2, which we'll explore this week, he answers the question, "How do I know if I really know and have a good relationship with God?" His answer just might surprise you.  It's not nearly as complicated as some might have you think!

When John started his letter to early Christians, right off the bat he wanted to address two common, extreme views of self that lead to spiritual unhealth and rob people of the grace, joy, and peace that could be theirs. He calls those who think they are too good to take a more honest look at themselves, and he calls on those who are at the other end of the spectrum feeling they can't possibly be forgiven to see the incredible mercy of God can indeed save them. There is something for us all in the wisdom he shares, so join us as we explore chapter 1 of the letter of 1st John in this broadcast of Sanctify My Heart.

"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched--this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete."

I John 1:1-4, NIV

Benjamin Franklin once said, "Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do." Criticism, especially when unfair, can be hard to handle. When a man named Shimei started lobbing rocks, dirt, insults and criticism at King David, David set an incredible example of how we can best respond to criticism, fair and unfair alike.

She had longed to have children for years, but to no avail. Her heart ached, another woman who did have children mocked and bullied her, and her husband was starting to question why she couldn't at least find joy in their relationship. For far too many, this is a familiar story. But Hannah never gave up her hope in God. She kept praying, kept worshiping, and as we'll see in today's podcast, God heard her and brought her not only her son Samuel, but other children, too.

She was a woman of incredible strength, faith, and integrity, and a woman who knew above all that prayer is powerful, and the God of her heart faithful and merciful.

David wanted to build a grand temple in Jerusalem to honor the Lord, but God revealed a different plan. Later, as David gives his son, Solomon, the plans for the Temple, he tells him, "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a temple as a sanctuary. Be strong and do the work."

Join us in this podcast of Sanctify My Heart as we see how David's charge to his son rings true today for Christians everywhere, as we, too, are called not simply to build, but to BE the temple of the living God.

Nathan, a prophet of God, confronts David over his affair with Bathsheba and murder of her husband. When he does, David shows us an example of true repentance and the forgiveness of God.

Lust, loneliness, lies, a murder...it all just kept building like a snowball headed downhill. David and Bathsheba made decisions that would prove hurtful to everyone in their lives.

This week we deal with some tough topics, but also promises of hope, reconciliation, healing and grace.

There is an old saying that "the road to hell is paved with good intentions." If ever there is an example of well intentioned plans gone horribly awry, the story of the returning of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and Uzzah's death is that example.

Join us as we look at why it all went wrong, and how we can avoid the same deadly shortcuts in our own lives.

How does a Christian live under an unjust authority, be it a king, a government, a boss, a parent? How can we be honoring God by showing honor to a corrupt leader? We'll look at the Bible's answers to those questions in this study, and we'll look at David's reaction to King Saul's threats and attempts at murder to see how the rubber meets the road.

Saul becomes increasingly jealous of David, even to the point of attempted murder.

How does the "man after God's own heart" handle the increasing hatred aimed his way?

How do you handle back-biting and jealousy and people who seem to have it in for you? How can our faith help us handle these situations with our integrity and honor intact?

What made the difference between David, who took on the giant, and all those veteran soldiers who cowered before Goliath?