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The Seductive Delusion of Wealth

Chris Hearty
James 5:1-6

James warns his readers of the spiritually seductive nature of wealth that can draw our hearts away from God. Not that being wealthy is a sin, but rather it becomes a problem when we have improper attitudes toward it. In order to protect our hearts, we should heed James' warning, be generous, and remember where true riches are found.

Keywords

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The Rich and the Poor

Scott Risley
James 2:1-13

James writes that there should be no favoritism or preferential treatment within the Church. Racism, Sexism, Ageism, or any other form of discrimination have no place among God's people, since we all stand before God as His image bearers, all sinful and redeemed by His grace. In particular, Christians should prioritize caring for the poor and marginalized.

Keywords

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Being a "Doer":Inclusiveness and Compassion

Dennis McCallum
James 2:1-13

God calls us to not show personal favoritism. We are not to make distinctions between ourselves based on race or gender or wealth or any other factor. When we do not take our identity from God, we create an arbitrary identity focused on being important in some way and not on loving others. People are equal because they are created in the image of God.

Keywords

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Finding Peace: Proven Practices that Increase Happiness

James Rochford
James 2:1-13

Our culture today is experiencing an epidemic of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Research shows that many of the things we believe will make us happy actually offer no long-term satisfaction. Scientific studies confirm the Biblical values that happiness is found in relationships, gratitude, and generosity. The Bible also teaches that we are unable to change ourselves at the fundamental heart level and that we need a relationship with Jesus Christ to transform us from the inside out.

Keywords

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Finding Peace: The Science of Happiness, Part 1

Scott Risley
James 2:1-13

Today we are seeing a dramatic increase in depression, anxiety, and self-harm. Recent studies have shown that many of the things we mistakenly believe will make us happier, such as wealth or achievement, often take time away from the things that actually do bring happiness--things like relationships and gratitude. These scientific findings confirm what was written in the bible millennia ago, and in the Bible we find a more complete path to happiness, a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Keywords

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The Connection between Simple Living and Spirituality

Dennis McCallum
1 Timothy 6:6-11

It is important for any Christian to understand the Bible's view of finances. And we all must find the balance of living at the need level and not the greed level; with neither riches nor poverty. The world system promotes materialism. Learning to live simply can help us enjoy life better, be an example to our children, and be better stewards of what we have been given.

Keywords

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Elisha and the Widow

Jim Leffel
2 Kings 4:1-7

An impoverished widow cries out to Elisha while she is in crisis. In general, poverty has deeply personal, spiritual, and communal dimensions; thus, a millionaire can have an impoverished inner life. Like the widow, we can present all we have to God and take steps of faith to allow Him into our poverty and find help. Like He did with the widow, God uses community (i.e. the church) to help those without material and/or spiritual resources.\r\n

Keywords

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Grace-Driven Generosity

Conrad Hilario
2 Corinthians 8:1-9:15

Paul urges the Corinthian church to be faithful and generous givers, in response to their experience of the generous grace of God. Christians today can draw important principles from Paul in regards to why, how, and to whom we should give.

Keywords

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Grace-Based Giving

James Rochford
2 Corinthians 8:1-9:15

Paul urges the Corinthians to be gracious givers in response to the overwhelming generosity of Christ towards us. Giving is an essential part of any Christian's faith, and from this passage, we can draw out principles for what giving should look like, why we should give, and how we should give.

Keywords

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