Advertise on podcast: Jonathan Williams with Word of God, Speak

I think we all know that we can use our speech for constructive or destructive purposes.  One is easy to do – destroy.  The other takes time to learn – construct, build, bless, heal.

Contrary to what our culture says, we can't get by with some kind of vague, sentimental feeling or thought about God. We must know the true God and we must prove that we know the true God by our actions. James 2:14-26 provides five pictures, five examples to make this point.

In our country, most believe in God. But do you know what my response it – "So what?" What kind of God do you believe in? Which god do you believe in? And if you believe in the right God, what difference is that making in your life?

James gives six reasons why it is wrong to play favorites. Let's look at them.

We call the kingdom of Christ the Upside Down Kingdom. We call it that because the ways of Christ often look upside down to the world.  If you want to be first, be last? If you want to be great, serve? If you want to be considered wise, be as the youngest? Really? That doesn't make sense!

People love to see authentic Christianity. This is because of our claims. After all, think of what we are claiming –a relationship with the living God,  that God lives inside us, that we have eternal life, that he is changing us, that we have the message that can change people, families, communities, and nations.  Those are some pretty big claims. People want us to back them up with our lives, with authenticity. James expresses authenticity with two words: Pure and Faultless

I want to talk with you today about success.  Success is at the fingertips of every person listening regardless of age, race, or gender!  When we hear or think of the word success we normally think of four things – wealth, fame, achievement, or pleasure.

I want to talk with you today about anger. Anger, you know, is only one letter away from Danger. Have you ever noticed that? Anger does not accomplish God's will in our lives. It does us no good. It does others no good. It dishonors God. I'm sure you agree with this, and though I realize that not everyone has an anger problem, I also believe all of us have been touched by anger in some way. Maybe, "touched" isn't the right word. Maybe I should say, "slammed" by anger.

Quick to hear and slow to speak. God has reinforced the importance of this by giving us a visual – two ears and one mouth. Let's apply this so we can have a life worth living and can demonstrate to the world the kingdom of Christ.

James says, Be quick to listen and be slow to speak. "Friends, note this verse. Write this down. Memorize it. Inscribe it on your minds, and practice it, practice it, practice it.

You know what would be the most frustrating experience?  It would be to get to the last day of my life and realize, "I wasted my life.  I lived for the wrong things.  My life is over and I have nothing to show for it." How can we change that?

We have learned there are five kinds of trials, but the one I want to focus on today may be the most difficult. I am talking about the trial of temptation, the trial of temptations that come our way when we want something that is not good for us, and the desire for it seems overwhelming.

Why do we persevere? Why do we keep following Jesus? It is because of his promises, his blessings at the end of the road. James says that those who stand the test receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him.

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial.  It doesn't say he perseveres when times are good or even a little difficult. He perseveres under trial. He keeps going. How can we do this?

Could there be any better expression of the truth that Jesus Christ has come to turn people and society upside down than these words in James 1:9-11?  The one who is low is made high.  The one who is lofty is brought low.