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FAITH FOR THE LONG HAUL Gordon Dabbs, PhD James 5.7-20 What does faith look like when the road gets long? James 5.7 (ESV) Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. James 5.7 (ESV) See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You cannot hurry a harvest. James 5.8 (ESV) You also, be patient. Establish your hearts . . . James 5.9 (ESV) Do not grumble against one another. James 5.10 (ESV) As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. James 5.11 (ESV) You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. Faith for the long-haul rests less on the strength of our grip on God and more on the faithfulness of the God who holds us. James 5.13 (ESV) Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. James envisions a church where people keep turning toward God and toward one another. James 5.15 (ESV) The prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. James 5.17 (ESV) Elijah was a man with a nature like ours. James 5.19 (ESV) My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back . . . James 5.20 (ESV) Whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

FAITH FOR THE LONG HAUL Gordon Dabbs, PhD James 5.7-20 What does faith look like when the road gets long? James 5.7 (ESV) Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. James 5.7 (ESV) See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You cannot hurry a harvest. James 5.8 (ESV) You also, be patient. Establish your hearts . . . James 5.9 (ESV) Do not grumble against one another. James 5.10 (ESV) As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. James 5.11 (ESV) You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. Faith for the long-haul rests less on the strength of our grip on God and more on the faithfulness of the God who holds us. James 5.13 (ESV) Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. James envisions a church where people keep turning toward God and toward one another. James 5.15 (ESV) The prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. James 5.17 (ESV) Elijah was a man with a nature like ours. James 5.19 (ESV) My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back . . . James 5.20 (ESV) Whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

LIVING WITH OPEN HANDS Bryan Borden We have far less control than we think we have. “13 Come now, you who say,“Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”—14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.15 Instead you ought to say,“If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”16 As it is, you boast in your arrogance.All such boasting is evil.17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” James 4:13-17 (ESV) Who is in control? Who is the Lord? 13-15 And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, “Today—at the latest, tomorrow—we’re off to such and such a city for the year. We’re going to start a business and make a lot of money.” You don’t know the first thing about tomorrow. You’re nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing. Instead, make it a habit to say, “If the Master wills it and we’re still alive, we’ll do this or that.” 16-17 As it is, you are full of your grandiose selves. All such vaunting self-importance is evil. In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don’t do it, that, for you, is evil. James 4:13-17 (MSG) God is in control. God has to be a part of our plans. “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.” Galatians 5:16 “25 Since we live by the Spirit,let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25 If we go a day without spending time with our Creator and Savior we missed the mark that day. “5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” Proverbs 27:1 Our life is a mist or a vapor, meaning we are not here on earth but a moment. What areas of your life are you not willing to surrender control? God’s love is unconditional and He wants all good things for us. We are called to be faithful. What are we running after? Who holds our future? Prestoncrest, who are you? What are you here for? Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

LIVING WITH OPEN HANDS Bryan Borden We have far less control than we think we have. “13 Come now, you who say,“Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”—14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.15 Instead you ought to say,“If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”16 As it is, you boast in your arrogance.All such boasting is evil.17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” James 4:13-17 (ESV) Who is in control? Who is the Lord? 13-15 And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, “Today—at the latest, tomorrow—we’re off to such and such a city for the year. We’re going to start a business and make a lot of money.” You don’t know the first thing about tomorrow. You’re nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing. Instead, make it a habit to say, “If the Master wills it and we’re still alive, we’ll do this or that.” 16-17 As it is, you are full of your grandiose selves. All such vaunting self-importance is evil. In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don’t do it, that, for you, is evil. James 4:13-17 (MSG) God is in control. God has to be a part of our plans. “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.” Galatians 5:16 “25 Since we live by the Spirit,let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25 If we go a day without spending time with our Creator and Savior we missed the mark that day. “5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” Proverbs 27:1 Our life is a mist or a vapor, meaning we are not here on earth but a moment. What areas of your life are you not willing to surrender control? God’s love is unconditional and He wants all good things for us. We are called to be faithful. What are we running after? Who holds our future? Prestoncrest, who are you? What are you here for? Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

DEEPER is a series designed for all ages to grow in God’s word! This cover-to-cover study of the Bible, Genesis to Revelation, is a weekly opportunity for the entire family to be encouraged, challenged, and edified. Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

The War Behind the Words Paul Conway James 4:1-10 (NLT) BIG IDEA The fight you can see is rarely the fight that's actually happening. 1. THE FIGHTING IS THE EVIDENCE James 3:16 (ESV); James 4:1 2. THE WAR STARTS INSIDE James 4:1-2; Matthew 5:21-22; 1 John 3:15 3. WHEN THE FIGHT IS FOR GOD Acts 8:1; Philippians 3:6; Acts 9:4 4. WHERE WE SEE OURSELVES 5. THE DIVIDED HEART James 4:4-5 6. MORE GRACE James 4:6 Grace isn't the reward for fixing it. Grace is what makes fixing it possible. 7. HUMILITY IRL James 4:7-10 THIS WEEK Think of one person you're in conflict with. Have you prayed about what you really want? Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

The War Behind the Words Paul Conway James 4:1-10 (NLT) BIG IDEA The fight you can see is rarely the fight that's actually happening. 1. THE FIGHTING IS THE EVIDENCE James 3:16 (ESV); James 4:1 2. THE WAR STARTS INSIDE James 4:1-2; Matthew 5:21-22; 1 John 3:15 3. WHEN THE FIGHT IS FOR GOD Acts 8:1; Philippians 3:6; Acts 9:4 4. WHERE WE SEE OURSELVES 5. THE DIVIDED HEART James 4:4-5 6. MORE GRACE James 4:6 Grace isn't the reward for fixing it. Grace is what makes fixing it possible. 7. HUMILITY IRL James 4:7-10 THIS WEEK Think of one person you're in conflict with. Have you prayed about what you really want? Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

WISDOM MADE VISIBLE Gordon Dabbs, PhD James 3.13-18 James 3.13 (ESV) Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. Real wisdom becomes visible in the kind of life it produces. Biblical wisdom is not merely truth collected. It is truth embodied. James 3.14 (ESV) But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. James 3.16 (ESV) For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. “. . . earthly, unspiritual, demonic.” James 3.17 (ESV) The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. A teachable spirit is not a sign of weak conviction. It is a sign that your humility outpaces your ego. James 3.18 (ESV) And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. What would wisdom from above look like here? Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

WISDOM MADE VISIBLE Gordon Dabbs, PhD James 3.13-18 James 3.13 (ESV) Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. Real wisdom becomes visible in the kind of life it produces. Biblical wisdom is not merely truth collected. It is truth embodied. James 3.14 (ESV) But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. James 3.16 (ESV) For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. “. . . earthly, unspiritual, demonic.” James 3.17 (ESV) The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. A teachable spirit is not a sign of weak conviction. It is a sign that your humility outpaces your ego. James 3.18 (ESV) And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. What would wisdom from above look like here? Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

TONGUE TIED Gordon Dabbs, PhD James 3.1-12 James 1.26 (ESV) If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. A transformed tongue requires a transformed heart. James 3.1–2 (ESV) Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. James 3.2 (ESV) For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. James 3.3–5 (ESV) If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder… A sentence can take seconds to say and years to forget. James 3.5 (ESV) How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! “Do people know what you think of everything? They shouldn’t. That’s why you have a journal or a prayer closet or a dog.” - Kevin DeYoung Vs. 8: "It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." James 3.9–10 (ESV) With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. Luke 6.45 (ESV) Out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. What is going on in my heart? Jesus did not come merely to make rude people polite. He came to make dead people alive. The One who forgives can teach us a new tongue. Pause. Pray. Proceed. Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

TONGUE TIED Gordon Dabbs, PhD James 3.1-12 James 1.26 (ESV) If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. A transformed tongue requires a transformed heart. James 3.1–2 (ESV) Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. James 3.2 (ESV) For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. James 3.3–5 (ESV) If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder… A sentence can take seconds to say and years to forget. James 3.5 (ESV) How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! “Do people know what you think of everything? They shouldn’t. That’s why you have a journal or a prayer closet or a dog.” - Kevin DeYoung Vs. 8: "It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." James 3.9–10 (ESV) With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. Luke 6.45 (ESV) Out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. What is going on in my heart? Jesus did not come merely to make rude people polite. He came to make dead people alive. The One who forgives can teach us a new tongue. Pause. Pray. Proceed. Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise

FAITH THAT WORKS Gordon Dabbs, PhD James 2.14-26 James 2.14 (ESV) What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? James is confronting the difference between a PROFESSED faith and a PRACTICED faith. James 2.15-16 (ESV) If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? Having the right theology—the right beliefs—without a life that follows is like having a perfect set of blueprints for a house you never build. Verse 14: A non-saving faith Verse 16: A no-good faith Verse 19: demonic faith Verse 20: Useless faith Verse 22: Incomplete faith Verse 24: Inauthentic faith Verse 26: Lifeless faith Genuine belief always affects behavior. James 2.19 (ESV) You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Biblical faith is more than agreement. Biblical faith is allegiance. Romans 3.28 (ESV) For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. James 2.24 (ESV) You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. Paul says: Works are not the root of salvation. James says: Works are the fruit of your salvation. 1 Corinthians 15.10 (NIV) . . . By the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. James 2.22 (ESV) [Abraham’s] faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works. . . Romans 5.8 (ESV) God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. James 2.26 (ESV) For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. What act of obedience have you postponed while continuing to tell yourself that you believe? Subscribe to PRESTONCREST - with Gordon Dabbs on Soundwise