Main Scripture passage: Luke 1:46-55
Our God is a God of mercy. His mercy is free, full, and forever. And the greatest demonstration of God’s mercy or compassion consists in the birth of His Son Jesus Christ.
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15)
Main Scripture passage: 2 Corinthians 9
Main Scripture passage: James 3:13-18
Wisdom in the Scriptures requires the new birth, because the natural man cannot see spiritual truths unless the spirit of God is in him. Spiritual truths can only be perceived by those who have the Spirit. And so once the heart and mind have been enlightened by God’s Spirit–once the individual has been born again–the new man should be growing in grace, knowledge, and wisdom.
Main Scripture passage: Matthew 5:3-12
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:10-12).
Main Scripture passage: 1 Timothy 2:1-7
Main Scripture passage: 1 Timothy 2:1-7
Main Scripture passage: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
The passage here in 2 Corinthians 5 displays two things, among others: (1) the need for reconciliation, and (2) the means of reconciliation.
Main Scripture passage: James 3:1-12
Main Scripture passage: James 2:14-26
The objective of the book of James is the maturity of true saving faith. Thus throughout the book James gives several tests by which one’s faith can be measured or evaluated. The goal here is to know whether or not one’s faith is really genuine and, if so, the areas in which it lacks maturity. For clarity, it should be observed that Paul, in his epistles, answered the question, “How is one saved?” The answer, of course, is that salvation is by grace through faith. James, on the other hand, answers the question, “What is saving faith?” As part of the answer to that question, James puts forth the test of good works in chapter 2 verses 14-26. He says in verse 26, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” Concerning this relationship between works and faith four things ought to be observed. First, works are a proof of our faith (v. 18). Second, they are the perfection of our faith (v. 22). Third, works are profitable. And fourth, works are pleasing to God.