Springville Church of the Nazarene's Podcast

What is the difference between a believer and a disciple? Here in John 8:31-32, Jesus gives the first of six differences. These six principles are the "tests" Jesus gives us to determine if we are truly His disciples. This first principle, The Abiding Principle, is the foundation for the remaining five. What does it mean to "abide" in Jesus and His word?

Part 2 of the study of James 5:13-20 focuses on the Ingredients of Effective Prayer. James outlines 5 specific components of powerful prayer in these verses. If Elijah - a man "just like us" - could pray with such power and effectiveness, so can we!

John 20:1-18 records Jesus' resurrection from Mary Magdalene's perspective - and a unique and powerful perspective it is! Jesus' resurrection from the dead made ALL the difference in the world to Mary. And, Jesus' resurrection should make all the difference in the world to US as well. There are at least 3 practical, "must have" lessons to be learned from Mary's s...

James 5:16 tells us: "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." The question is: Do we REALLY believe that? Do we really believe that God hears and answers our prayers - that our prayers make a huge difference in our everyday lives; that we can pray powerful, effective prayers that make a life-changing impact on our lives and the lives of those around us? Part 1 of 2 less...

Do you realize how much of life is WAITING - how often patience is demanded of us in the course of our daily living? James highlights three common times when patience is needed the most, illustrated by the farmer, the prophets, and Job. Then, he offers five helpful hints as to how we can develop patience - you might be surprised at what James teaches us here! James 5:7-12 is about as practical and...

James 5:1-6 addresses the topic of money management - the stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to our care - in his usual head-on, straight-to-the-point manner. Here is some sound advice about the right way and the wrong way to manage our money - the way we earn, spend, save, and give our money is a true measure of our character.

Do you recognize the 3 most common mistakes people make when facing the future? James 4:13-17 addresses these mistakes head-on and gives us biblical corrections for each. You can't afford to deal with your tomorrows without listening to James' godly advice!

Got any unresolved conflict with anybody - a family member, friend, neighbor, work associate, school mate, or other relationship? Having difficulty getting along with someone? James addresses conflict head-on in James 4:1-12. Are you ready to hear what he has to say about the cause of and the cure for conflict?

James 3:13 asks the question: "Who is wise and understanding among you?" Before we raise our hand and say, "Me! I'm wise," we better take a closer look at what James teaches about true, godly wisdom (compared to false, worldly wisdom) in the remainder of chapter 3. In its roots, the Bible word for "wisdom" meant "skill" - so we could define godly wisdom...

Perhaps nothing reveals our maturity level any more than our tongue - our mouth, the words we speak. James teaches about the tongue more than any other New Testament writer - especially in James 3:1-12. Why should I tame my tongue? Don't miss what James has to say here about the power and influence of what we say!

What is real, genuine, authentic Christian faith? If we say we have faith with our lips, but don't show that we have faith with our lives, then is it really faith? James' answer is a resounding, "No! Not at all." In this passage (James 2:14-26), James explains that faith is NOT something we say, think, feel, or even believe. Rather, faith IS something we do. Faith and works &qu...

Favoritism, snobbery, partiality, preference, bias, prejudice, discrimination, exclusiveness - whatever label we give it, James clearly and candidly says we cannot call ourselves a Christian and practice this. The fact is, favoritism comes in many shapes/sizes and we all struggle with it to one degree or another. The solution? The law of love - "the royal law," as James calls it: "L...

Most of us are born hearing well, but all of us have to learn to listen well. Hearing is a natural function of the human body. Listening is a skill that must be developed. In whatever way we are listening to God's spoken or written word - hearing a sermon, reading the Bible in our daily quiet time, listening to the Bible on our MP3, studying the Bible in a small group - James offers some prac...

In James 1:13-18 James deals with a subject each and every one of us deals with each and every day of our lives: temptation. So, how can we win the battle against the enemy and his temptations? Five "R" words: Recognition, Responsibility, Resistance, Reliance, and Rebirth. James' practical advice in these verses will help us learn how to say "no!"

Have you ever experienced a problem of any kind at any time in your life? Of course! We all have "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days." So, how do we handle these tough times when they come our way? James 1:2-12 offers practical instruction on the reality of our problems, and how we should respond to them as a mature Christ-follower. This lesson has something for everyone!

The book of James is one of the most practical letters of instruction in the New Testament. It is like taking a crash course in Practical Christianity 101. This introductory lesson provides an overview of the entire book, identifying 12 distinguishing marks of maturity for the serious Christ-follower. Then, in the weeks to follow, we will look at each of these marks one-by-one in detail. How Do I....

Looking for some solid New Years resolutions? How about 5 key resolutions for your spiritual fitness in 2015? From 1 Timothy 4:7-10 (along with Luke 10:38-42), here are some resolutions worthy of your consideration as you do some introspection on your walk with Christ for the coming year.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 2014: What does it mean to our lives that Jesus is "Light?" Enjoy the music, scripture, and this devotional thought focused on the 5th and final Advent candle - the Christ-Child candle - and allow the light of Christ to shine into your heart/life as you also make a commitment to reflect that same light to others.

We have an unusual fascination with angels. But, what do we know for sure about angelic beings? And what does the Bible tell us about their role in/around the birth of Jesus? And, even more specifically, what practical life lessons can we learn from the angels' proclamation to the shepherds in Luke 2:10-11?

Why was the Good News of Jesus' birth announced first to shepherds? Why not the government officials? Or the business community? Or the innkeeper? Or the Jewish religious leaders? What does the Bible teach us about shepherding - shepherds and sheep? You will be surprised what lessons we can apply to our daily lives from a closer look at this 3rd Advent candle!

What life lessons may we learn from the little town of Bethlehem? How does this second candle in the Advent wreath help us to prepare for the coming of the Messiah - to prepare for the celebration of Jesus' birth?

Did you know that it is generally agreed that there are 332 messianic prophecies in the Old Testament and that all of these are fulfilled exactly and completely in Jesus Christ? So what does this mean for our lives today? How does this affect us directly and personally? Why are these prophecies and their fulfillment so vitally important to you and me?

What is "worship?" Jesus tells us in John 4:23 that God is looking for - He is searching for - true worshipers. What does that mean? How do we know if we are one of those true worshipers? What, exactly, does God desire of us as worshipers? How can we be sure our worship is pleasing to Him?

Do you realize how often the subject of money management - stewardship - is addressed in scripture? The Bible refers to prayer about 500 times, to faith about 500 times, but to money/possessions over 800 times! 16 of Jesus' 38 parables are concerned in one way or another with the stewardship of money/things. And, that's not counting other "teachable moments" like that in Mark 1...

What does the Bible say about communion? How much do we really understand about the Lord's Supper? When and where did Jesus institute this memorial? What is the significance of its roots in the Passover? Why are the elements - the bread and the cup - unleavened, or unfermented? How often should we partake together? What should be the manner of our observance? What are the four "looks&quo...