National Capital Bible Church

James 1:1-3.

(Rom 15:4; Ex 14) Comfort and hope come directly from Scripture; the battle is the Lord’s. Salvation by grace, not by works (Rom 11:6). Are you a COG (child of God) or FOG (friend of God) (Jn 1:12, 15:14-15)? What makes an enemy of God (Jas 4:4). Living by faith (Gal 2:20).

(Matt 27:51-28:20) The empty tomb. Celebrating Jesus’ life with His seven sayings on the cross (Lk 23:34, 43, 46; Jn 19:27-28, 30; Mt 27:46). Compartments of Hades (Lk 16:19-31).

(2 Chron 20:1ff) Calling out to God in despair. Communion: Symbolic remembrance of Jesus (1 Cor 11:23-26). Story of Nicodemus and purpose of Jesus’ signs (Jn 3:1-21, 20:30-31). Our second birth allows us to love God and love others (1 Jn 5:1).

(Jn 16:33) Peace is in Christ. Review: Points to Experience Resurrection Power. Sin and significance of the grace of God (Jas 2:10). Grieving the Holy Spirit (Eph 4:30). Why believers should work on their fellowship, not relationship, with God (1 Jn 1:3). Slide: Phase 2 Points of Observation

(Ps 27:1-14) You are not alone. Abiding in the Lord (Jn 15:4, 8:31-32). We need power to live the Christian life. This power comes from obeying God’s word and keeping His commandments (1 Jn 3:24). Sin of omission vs. commission (Jas 4:17, 2:10). What it means to say, “Jesus is my Lord and Savior” (Jn 14:23, 17:3; Lk 4:7). Slides: Points to Experience Resurrection Power.

(Mt 6: 25-34) God cares for you. Results of abiding in or remaining in Christ (Jn 15:4-15). We are commanded to abide (1 Jn 3:24). The inextricable relationship of the Father and Son (Jn 17:3). Your love for God should be evidenced by your works.

Communion.  

(Phil 4:6-7) Be anxious for nothing. Are we condemned or saved based on our works (Jn 3:18; Rom 8:8; 1 Cor 15:22)? Our spiritual life and spiritual power comes from Christ alone (Rom 8:11; Jn 15:2-6).

(Ps 34:4) God will deliver you from fear. Interactive discussion about phase 2 salvation/sanctification. To be carnally minded vs. spiritually minded (Rom 1:18ff, 8:6) and how God can save you from yourself (v. 5:8-10; Jas 1:21).

(2 Cor 12:9) God’s grace is sufficient for you. How many times can a person be saved? It depends on your definition of “saved.” We are justified once, but saved over and over again from the power of sin when we abide in God’s Word (Rom 5:8-13, 1:16ff; Jn 8:31).

Comparison between salvation and discipleship expanded.

(Ps 1:1-6) The Lord has His eye on us. The mark of a disciple (Jn 8:31-32). As a believer, you are a royal priest, but you are also an ambassador of Christ. How do we do this? (Example: Jn 4:7-42) Comparison between salvation and discipleship expanded. 

Value and Identity: Whereas every human life has value because we have been created unique in God's image, our identity depends upon our relationship with God. The unbeliever's identity is with sin and death; the believer's identity is in Christ. Love is defined in Jn 3:16, and those in Christ are to imitate that love.

Value and Identity:  Our identity is Christ—not our occupation,  family, or wealth. We must prioritize our life according to our identity in Him  and that which is well pleasing to God. The three temptations of Christ covered.

(Luke 14:31-35) It is a serious, calculated decision you have to make to surrender all to Christ. Christ’s strategy of approaching others using the wonderful example of Samaritan woman (Jn 4:4-42).

Reading from Howard Hendricks’ “Living by the Book.” Observations in Luke 14:27-29, 31-33. Discipleship requires commitment and takes planning. Review of salvation vs. discipleship chart.

Art gave a presentation on the Hurtado Foundation missionary activities in Latin America.

(Ps 59:1-17) God’s righteous indignation. Communion: The message of the cross is the power of God (1 Cor 1:18). Significance of discipleship (Lk 14:26-29). Example: Jesus feeds the five thousand (Jn 6:1ff).

(Is 9:6; Mt 1:18-21; Lk 1:26-38) Christmas passages. When we celebrate the birth of Christ, what are we celebrating? Study of the significance of Christmas (Rom 5:12; Gal 4:4-5; Heb 10:5-7).

(Ps 70) Prayer for relief. What does commitment to God look like (Lk 14:26; Mt 10:37)? Comparison of salvation and discipleship continued. Lively discussion follows.

(2 Chron 20:1-32) God going before His people; praising God in confidence. Does discipleship equate to salvation (Mt 10:32-33)? Requirements of discipleship (Lk 9:23, 14:26). Comparison to salvation (see chart).

Communion: The Lord, my strength and my Redeemer (Ps 19). How the Word can deliver/save your life. Faith applied will demonstrate itself in love for others (Jas 2:14-17). Salvation and witnessing (Acts 16:29-31; Jn 3:16). Seven categories of death.

Review of salvation, groups of sin. How the Word can deliver your life (Jas 1:14-15, 21; Mt 7:24-27). Discussion of “saving faith” (Jas 2:14). Faith without works is unfruitful but does not undo your salvation (Acts 16:31).

Review of salvation, groups of sin. How the Word can deliver your life (Jas 1:14-15, 21; Mt 7:24-27). Discussion of “saving faith” (Jas 2:14). Faith without works is unfruitful but does not undo your salvation (Acts 16:31).