I'll Be Honest I'll Be Honest

I especially want to speak to those of you who are currently using God's sovereignty against yourself. And I say against yourself, because that's exactly what you're doing. If your reasoning is like this: "Well, God's sovereign, and you know he chooses whom he will, so I can't do anything. He's going to have to do it. It's all I've got to wait for him to do it, you see. I mean, I can't save myself. If I'm going to be saved, he must save me. I mean, he has mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will. He'll show compassion. He elects some, and some he doesn't. And so God's got to do this thing."

Tim Conway | Series: James, Part 3 | Believer, though you may be lowly in this world, do you rejoice in the great riches that await you in paradise with Christ? While the world may pursue what they believe brings true honor in this life, we must remain steadfast, enduring trials and suffering, honoring the Lord.

(0:00) Introduction
(0:59) Notice the emphasis on having joy in the book of James.
(6:28) First—consider the lowly brother.
(14:32) Charles Spurgeon on who is truly honored before God.
(28:32) Ephesians 2 tells us of the great height to which those who are lowly will be exalted.
(37:19) God’s Word shows us that we possess the greatest riches in the universe.
(39:35) Second—consider the rich…
(46:51) How do we define wealth?
(52:19) Third—consider the man who remains steadfast under trial.
(57:52) Closing prayer

Jimmy Downing | 8:12 | Excerpt (from The Substitutionary Sacrifice: Jesus Paid It All) | Jesus Christ crushed the head of the serpent, yet Isaiah 53 states that God the Father crushed Christ—Christ was bruised so that the serpent's head would be bruised. Through the Savior bearing this condemnation for us and then rising again, we have received life and escaped the wrath to come. Glory to God!

Believer, do you consistently seek wisdom from the LORD? Wisdom encompasses more than just knowledge; it entails the righteous application of knowledge in one's life. You don't have any wisdom if you know the right way and you don't go down it. Believer, we need to diligently pursue wisdom, as it forms the foundation for making righteous decisions and leading a life that pleases God.

0:00 Introduction
3:29 Who Should Be the Wisest People on Earth?
7:26 What Is Wisdom?
15:14 Tim's Definition of Wisdom After Considering the Context of Scripture
32:40 Wisdom or Weightlifting?
34:45 The First Motive for Asking for Wisdom Is Need
42:17 God Does Not Reprove You for Coming to Him for Wisdom
49:58 James Now Warns Us Against Doubt

Stuart shared the following exhortation prior to a morning prayer meeting at the 2024 Fellowship Conference. The thoughts shared really helped put prayer in perspective: in view of our Father's vast universe, He yet looks down and hears us!

In the midst of our affliction, let's heed Paul's words. Despite the challenges, he speaks of overflowing joy. He reminds us to rejoice in our sufferings and to be sorrowful yet always rejoicing. Though tears, sorrows, and groans are real, in the darkness of suffering, God calls us to sing. - Tim Conway

0:00 - Opening Prayer
0:39 - A Series on the Book of James
2:20 - Which James Is This Who Wrote the Letter?
9:25 - What Should We Emphasize About the Book of James?
12:59 - Considering the Text
14:53 - Are You Joyful in the Trials You Are Facing Right Now?
22:32 - Nightingales Sing in the Dark
25:02 - Let Us Do Some Counting, Some Thinking...
37:49 - What Happens When You Face Your Trials With Joy?
39:34 - How Should We Think When in a Trial?
43:00 - Testing of Faith Produces Steadfastness
52:44 - If We Are Going to Sing in Our Trials We Must Realize That the Affliction Is Light
58:48 - People Are Watching You as You Are Suffering, What Are They Witnessing?