When Tempted (James 1:13-16)

It is not a matter of “If” but “when”. In verse 13, James does not say, “If” you are tempted, but “When” you are tempted. Jesus said, “Temptations to sin are sure to come” (Luke 17:1) and we must always be diligent to resist every temptation. When we are tempted, we need to remember threeContinue reading "When Tempted (James 1:13-16)"

God’s Purpose for Trials (James 1:2-12)

God never promised that He would keep you from trouble and trials; He promised to keep you through trouble and trials. What is a trial? According to James 1:3, trials are the testing of your faith. When we embrace that God’s good purpose for trials is to mature us in the faith, we will findContinue reading "God’s Purpose for Trials (James 1:2-12)"

Too Many Hypocrites (James 1:1)

The book of James is an invaluable indictment against hypocrisy. James exhorts the children of God to have an active faith: this is, faith consistent with our actions. In other words, genuine faith is demonstrated in our actions and our actions reveal our faith. In fact, this is why our statement of Faith (Baptist FaithContinue reading "Too Many Hypocrites (James 1:1)"

The Promise of Jesus (Gen 38; 49:8-12)

The book of Genesis has three main themes: 1) How humans and all things came into being (Genesis means “beginning”), 2) How humans (through Adam and Eve) messed everything up by rebelling against God, and 3) How God has faithfully worked to bring reconciliation between Himself and mankind. In summary, God made everything good, sinContinue reading "The Promise of Jesus (Gen 38; 49:8-12)"

Joseph: Faithful to the End (Gen 49:29-50:26)

Will you be faithful to the very end? If you are a Christian, you most certainly will because your salvation is not dependent upon your faithfulness, but on the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. Those who abandon their faith never had genuine faith (see 1 John 2:19-23). Those who are truly born again (John 3:3) willContinue reading "Joseph: Faithful to the End (Gen 49:29-50:26)"

Joseph: Faith Accepts the Unexpected (Gen 46-48)

Does God always do what you expect Him to do when you expect Him to do it? If we are honest, the answer is an emphatic “No”. This is because God is not as interested in our schedule (or to-do list) as He is His own. Our God—who “works all things according to the counselContinue reading "Joseph: Faith Accepts the Unexpected (Gen 46-48)"

Joseph: Forgiveness Instead of Vengeance (Gen 43-45)

It has been said that revenge is a dish best served cold. I am not sure if that is true, but I do know that it is a dish that does not satisfy. Revenge may feel good, but the good feeling sours quickly. In fact, revenge never satisfies. Vengeance is a trap of the DevilContinue reading "Joseph: Forgiveness Instead of Vengeance (Gen 43-45)"

Joseph: According to Plan (Genesis 41)

Knowing that God is in control might not make your circumstances any easier, but it will make it easier to endure your circumstances. For example, Joseph knew that God was in control of his life. Even though it did not make his time in an Egyptian dungeon any easier, knowing that God is in controlContinue reading "Joseph: According to Plan (Genesis 41)"

Joseph: A Guilty Conscience (Genesis 42)

A guilty conscience must not be ignored. A guilty conscience is the result of unresolved guilt and unresolved guilt manifests itself in misery. Two famous literary examples of guilt are found in Edgar Allan Poe’s The Tell-Tale Heart and William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. In The Tell-Tale Heart, a guilty man hears the heartbeat of the manContinue reading "Joseph: A Guilty Conscience (Genesis 42)"