8-14-11

*Proven*

For something to be proven, it has to go through a test and if it passes it is genuine. 

Read-James 1:2-4

The theme is about trials/ tests in the verses which is what the sermon is about today.

Read- Acts 14:22

We must go through much "pressure to enter into the Kingdom of God. There is pressure in the pressing into the Kingdom. Your faith is fulfilled when you are face to face with God. Where the King is, is where the Kingdom is. His kingdom is in you.

Read- 1 Peter 1:6-9

Trials are here so our faith can be proven. When it is proven there is praise. But we have to push through those trials.

Read- 1 Peter 4:12-16

Don't be ashamed of Jesus cause he isn't ashamed of you. We should confess Jesus' name, Heaven take notice when we do. Those things that try to resist you growing into a greater Christian will put pressure on you. 

It can be any type or level of persecution or temptation of the devil that keeps you resisting. It can also be spiritual issues and prayer life that need help. Mostly trials though.

Read- John 16:33

Jesus has overcome the world and can control it and your trials.

Continue reading James 1:2-16

When you assess something you name what it is. 

Count it pure joy whenever you face trials of many types. In God's presence there is pure joy. The joy of the Lord is our strength. Joy comes from God and makes us think of good things. These verses don't change that joy into any other type. When we are going through a trial, even when we don't feel joy, act like you are joyful. Count trials as pure joy when you go through them. 

Your faith will grow stronger. Faith had to do with trust. We don't go through the trials, our faith does. Our faith/trust in God is put to the test, not us. Resistance builds muscles and we need resistance for our faith to grow stronger.

If you want a break through and you go to random places and things to fix your problems your going to miss it. Cause God is the true source. 

Lacking Wisdom

We are human. We have human emotions and human everything. When we are in trials our human reaction is to ask questions. If we ask for wisdom from God, He gives it to us. Wisdom is looking at life situations from God's perspective. We need God to wake us up and show what true wisdom is. God doesn't judge you he understands our humanity because he created us. So when we ask for wisdom he give it to us even if we feel unworthy because he wants us to see in his perspective. 

What is?

Faith-  Faith says, "YES!" When God shows us something we say, "YES!"

Unbelief- Unbelief says, "NO!"  When God shows us something we say, "NO!"

Doubt- Doubt says, "Yes, no, yes, no, yes, no, etc." When God shows us something we say, "Yes, no, yes, no, etc."

When we seek God with doubt we will end up with faith.When we seek wisdom our belief/faith is being tested. A man with two heads is unstable in all he does. Like doubt. We need the "YES" side of faith.

Read- James 1:12

It is best to go through a storm straight into it than going around because the ride is shorter. When your in a tunnel and your headlights are out, rely on the last thing God has said to you. Don't take your eyes off Jesus during your trial. He will guide you and at the end you have conquered the trial. 

Your trial is about you using your life to praise God.

The enemy tries to kill, steal, and to destroy you but God has a different plan for you. If you keep your eyes on Him, He will give you great blessings for the sake of His Kingdom.

(Royal Ridge Church of God, Pastor Turpin)