First Baptist Church of Bolivar

Study of Matthew Part 3 with Dr. Rodney Reeves

Study of Matthew Part 2 with Dr. Rodney Reeves

Study of Matthew Part 1 with Dr. Rodney Reeves

Walk This Way: Struggling with Temptation? Turn to God for Help (James 1:13-18) Speaker Billy Russell

James teaches us how to live by faith in Jesus through the trials and temptations of life. For trials of faith God gives us wisdom (1:5). For falling into temptation God choses to gift us life despite our sin (1:18). How amazing is this good gift of God’s grace (1:17)?!

• Temptation happens (1:13)- just like trials of faith (context dictates).
• Don’t blame God; take responsibility for your choices (1:13-15)-
  • God is un-temptable.
  • God is not the source (blame) of temptation.
  • We all fall into temptation by our own nature, and sin; then, we die.
  • Turn to God for help!
• Accept God’s good gift of life (1:16-18)-
  • God is unchanging.
  • God gives good gifts.
  • God chooses to give us life (“... through the word of truth” v.18).

Walk This Way: Need Help? Ask God for Wisdom (James 1:2-12) Speaker - Billy Russell

James teaches us how to live by faith in Jesus through the trials of life. He tells us to ask God when we need help. James challenges us to entrust ourselves to God’s care and wisdom.

• Know who you are in Christ (1:1)- a slave of God/the Lord Jesus Christ!
• Change how you think about God’s purposes for trials (1:2-3)-
  • “Consider it...” (v.2)- how you think directs the choices you make.
  • “all (great) joy...”(v.2)- Trusting God despite trials produces an unexpected faith response- spiritual contentment (joy).
  • Trials are inevitable (“whenever”), varied (“multi-colored”), purposeful.
• Practice perseverance: it broadens your spiritual perspective (1:4)-
  • Persevering under trials matures our faith.
  • Our faith out-lasts current circumstances.
  • Our faith in God’s provision grows as we go through (endure) trials.
• Humbly ask God for wisdom (1:5-11)-
  • When to ask? When you lack wisdom!
  • Who to ask? God, our Father, who generously gives us what we need.
  • What is wisdom? Applying knowledge/understanding to life situations.
  • How to ask? Believing God can help. (Because He is trustworthy.)
  • But, not doubting His help (vivid pictures: “tossed by the wind & double-minded/souled”)
  • Two striking examples (“humble brother”/“rich” man)
• Depend on God’s promise (1:12)- a blessing = “crown (which is) life”
  • Perseverance (having stood the test)- inherit the promise- bc of love.
    (it is God-promised; because you love Him.)

The Last King of Israel (Matthew 16:13-17:8) Guest Speaker - Dr. Rodney Reeves

Beyond Us for Our City: Doing the Gospel Together (Acts 18:1-5) 8/5/2018

Beyond Us for Our City: Grace in the Face of Opposition (Acts 18:6-8; 12-17) 8/12/2018