We continue in the book of James on Sunday, continuing with the subject of trials. We all face various trials. What we need is God’s wisdom to walk through those trials. The Bible is clear on how to attain wisdom. That’s what we will look at on Sunday. We look forward to seeing you!

Tuesday night, my wife and I went to the annual meeting of the Kansas City Kansas Baptist Association. As I interacted with fellow pastors, I noticed a consistent theme of optimism. In the past several weeks, we are seeing many people return to churches. There seems to be a stirring, perhaps the green shoots of a genuine revival. It could that as our nation is experiencing the bitter fruit of “futile speculations” and “foolish hearts” (Romans 1:21), some people are realizing the hopelessness of a carnal life. Perhaps God is on the verge of awakening many to the need for eternal life.

What about those who are already believers? We live in a world where we can no longer take for granted basic truths such as the sanctity of marriage, immutable genders, and the definition of a family. As we see a nation hurtling toward destruction, if there was ever a time to fully give ourselves to discipleship, now is the time. The world is traveling one way but we are called to walk in the opposite direction. Can I encourage you to make some new commitments today?

  1. Attend and participate in church every Sunday (Heb 10:25)
  2. Read your Bible and pray every day (Josh 1:8) and let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly (Col 3:16).
  3. Ask God for the filling of the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18).
  4. Surrender your life fully to Jesus (Luke 9:62).

As as the old song says,

The things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.

In Christ is found joy, peace, truth, gladness, purpose, beauty, redemption, holiness, and hope. If you are not trusting in Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins, if you’ve never been baptized by immersion after salvation, if you have not united with us in membership, we invite you to all three of those. Talk to me or Pastor Nathan or someone on Sunday. We want you to join us in working together for the advancement of the Kingdom and for the glory of God!