The Study of the Book of James

What to expect?

The book of James is composed of 108 verses – 59 of which are commands. That’s were James becomes practical…Maybe too practical! You can expect this study to be difficult...Not because it will be hard to understand, but because it will be all too easy to understand!

Take problems...James understands that nobody's life is perfect. He doesn't tell us how to live trouble free (that's not practical), but how to live when trouble hits. Do we worry? Do we complain? Or do we use our trials and tribulations as an opportunity to grow our relationship with God?

Take words...We all say things we wish we hadn't. James helps us use words more carefully and more constructively. Do they hurt others? Are they truthful? Are they loving? Do they advance God's kingdom?

Take money...It flows all around us! Do we withhold it when others are in need? Do we put more value on worldly things than on the things of God?

Take time...If we have enough money, we know we never have enough time. We do all we can to get the most out of each hour of the day, filling our calendars with activity. But do we miss God's will and perspective in the middle of our schedule making?

It is our hope that through this study, God will change each of us in ways that we are not necessarily ready to change. Through the process, God will have the opportunity to do what he promised to do…Transform our heart and lives into the image of Jesus.

Opportunity Sunday: March 7th

It was great to see so many of you in Sunday School today! Don't forget, next Sunday is our big meeting with Reid Crotty and other leaders within the church. This is a WONDERFUL opportunity for our voices to be heard and we need a STRONG turnout from the Footsteps Class! We have a lot of positive ideas to share and given this platform, I know we will walk away with opportunities to get plugged in and contribute to the future vision of Bluff Park Methodist!

Our goal this week is to be in prayer for this meeting and to come together to share our ideas as one! I have volunteered to put together a list of opportunities to share at our meeting on Sunday, so please speak up! Maybe you have an idea about improving the overall worship experience or perhaps you have an idea about a new service committee...Whatever your idea, please share with the class! This is especially important for those who already know they will not be in attendance on Sunday. At the conclusion of the week, I will send out an updated email summarizing our vision.

Again, please pray that God will open minds for new ideas to be received, open doors that some of us will hear God's calling and get more involved in shaping the future of our church, and open our hearts that we may truly receive God's blessing and glorify Him in all that we do as a family of believers at Bluff Park!

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:10

Thanks so much and have a blessed week!