Grace Baptist Church; Pampa Texas

Over the course of our lives, there will be times we know that in order to be made right with God, relationships have to come to an end. Obviously, this can serve as a great challenge for many reasons. Something believers have to decide, is: "Is obedience to God more important than my relationship with people?". It's not always an easy question to answer.

For each of us, our lives tell a story of what God has accomplished. For some, the epistle/letter is a beautiful story. For others, that is not the case. Attention ought to be given to this truth because a letter that is poorly written brings reproach on the name of Christ. Certainly something to think about.

When God promises something, we can be sure it will come to pass. So...when God promises an abundant life, we can know we are able to enjoy a "better than average" existence. The question, then, becomes "How do I enjoy this abundant life?". James explains the "how", very clearly. Please listen and be helped!

In this familiar passage of scripture, we realize that in order to know the grace of God, humility must be present in our lives. This is a powerful passage when considered in context. It's worthy of our consideration.

Over the course of our lives, there is a need to be brought low. While it can be a painful experience, it is also helpful. It's because of this that James told believers to rejoice when this takes place. Listen and be reminded why we should rejoice when God chooses to humble us.

In life, motives matter. The same is true of our spiritual lives. In tonight's message, we watch as the children of Israel enter into a covenant with God and their motives for this covenant are revealed. What a reminder that you and I should strive to have similar motives for our obedience.

We tend to compartmentalize every aspect of our lives; therefore, it makes sense that we compartmentalize our Christianity. In tonight's passage, Paul shows us that he avoided this snare and we are reminded why we should strive to avoid the snare in our lives.

In light of trials and difficulties, James explains that God will give wisdom so we can know how to navigate through those days. While wisdom is available, James was also very clear in what is required, on our part, before we can take what God has made available.

As the people of Israel dwelt in the land God gave them, the spiritual leaders declared that they were servants in the land with no authority over themselves or their possessions. As such, they said they were in great distress. They were unable to enjoy God's goodness, but why? The leaders of their day stated it clearly. The same issue keeps untold numbers of people from being able to enjoy a...

To become the children of God we say we want and know we should be, then a process is required. Understanding this, we also learn that this process is not always easy and enjoyable. In the first message from our study of James, we are reminded that in the midst of the process, we need to maintain genuine joy.

As Israel continued the process of being made right with God, there was an awareness of God's interaction with the Jews throughout their history. As they acknowledged their sin and the punishment God distributed, they realized that the punishment of God was just. Tonight's message reminds that with an unchanging God, the punishment he distributes to the disobedient child remains to be ju...

It's hard to remember how harmful and destructive the tongue can be. Solomon reminds us in tonight's text that when the lips are open wide, then destruction will soon follow. He also explained how we can guard our lives/testimony/etc. A very needed truth for any honest believer.

In the Christian life, forgiveness is a requirement. There are several reasons why we must forgive, but Paul lays out two specific reasons for this. Listen and consider what he said. Forgiveness might help you as much as the person who offended you.

There is no disputing that people feed off the actions of others. While that is so, this truth is often lost in the realm of God's people. We tend to think our actions do not effect others. Paul makes it clear in this passage that he was impacted by the actions of those in Corinth. Listen and see how your actions can feed others.

My appetite for God's word says much about me. There's an easy way to measure our appetite toward the word of God and Solomon explains what it is. Listen and give consideration to you level of hunger for God's word.

As the children of Israel heard the Law and realized their disobedience; scripture tells us that Israel desired to do right. As a result of their obedience, it tells us that they experienced great gladness. In this message, a wonderful principle is addressed and we are reminded of some of the obstacles that stand between us and spiritual joy.

Knowing our testimony is of great value, it is something we should protect and guard with all our energy. Tonight's message shows the benefit of protecting our testimony, as well as the consequences of failing to do so. It is an important reminder for every one of us.

As Paul continued his words to the believers of Corinth, he reminded them that his role in their spiritual lives was to encourage them. rather than being a dictator. That in mind, it can be difficult, at times, to remember that we can only encourage people to live for the Lord; we cannot dictate to them how they should live. This is a very helpful reminder.

Eunice was not in an ideal situation as she raised her son in the home with an unbelieving father. However, in spite of her situation, the story of Timothy proves she was able to have a positive spiritual influence on the life of her son. It reminds us that each of us can influence others; even when the situation is not ideal.

In Nehemiah 8, we see that the rebuilding of the wall has been finished and the work has ceased. As such, we see the children of Israel do something almost "naturally" or "instinctively". To see their response should cause us to consider our response to the goodness of God in our lives. It might serve as a serious challenge.

Scripture is clear that there is coming a day when every person will stand before God and give an account for the life they were given. On that day, there will be many things we are thankful for, at the same time, there are many things we may regret. This morning's message reminds us that we need to be mindful of how we are living each day so as to avoid having regrets when that day takes pla...

When victories are won, it truly is a wonderful thing. However, that can often lead us to complacency in our spiritual lives. Nehemiah's example reminds us that no matter the victory achieved in our lives, we must prepare ourselves for the next attack of the enemy. Without the preparation, we are sure to be defeated.

In one of his parables, Christ makes it clear that when knowledge and opportunity is available to an individual, then there is great responsibility on the part of that person to respond according to that knowledge. For most of us, there is no excuse for a lack of obedience on our part.

As the story of Nehemiah continues, we see how Sanballat and others cam against Nehemiah time after time after time. Different angles were taken, but all with the same objective: to destroy Nehemiah and cause the work to cease. Tonight, we are reminded that the enemy never stops attacking and we can look to the example of Nehemiah to know how to respond.

In the midst of personal attack, Paul was able to rejoice in the fact that his conscience was clear before God. He also explained what led to his pure conscience. Understanding that an accusation can come against us from anyone at anytime, it is essential that we be able to have a clear conscience. Tonight's message show us how that can be done.