Week 3 Preview : Relational Rhythm - Controlling our Communication

The Bible has much to say about the flexible muscle encased within our teeth. The source of both pleasure and pain, the taming of the tongue is one of the central issues in Christian maturity. James, widely regarded as an instruction book on Christian maturity, revolves around our ability to control what we say and hear. Good communication begins with listening to God. And in this timely message from James 1:19-20, Ed Young reveals how to stay in step with God's choreography for relational conflict and communication.

Here are this weeks Bible verses, only two!

James 1:19-20
19My dear brothers, take
note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to
become angry, 20for man's anger does not bring about the
righteous life that God desires.

Have a good week everyone.

Brian

Week 2 Recap

We had another great session this past week. Thanks to everyone for participating. I know that we seem kind of crowded in our little section of Starbucks but I don’t want this to discourage anyone from inviting people to attend. So invite your friends, neighbors and family.

Here is a brief overview of what we covered in week 2.

Temptation is using our God given desires in a God forbidden way.

God is not the one who tempts us. The Devil tempts us so that we will do wrong. But, as
a Christian, we are no longer slaves to sin and it is our own decision whether we succumb to temptation.

When approaching a temptation remember to apply the X-trials formula Eic2=M
Evaluate the temptation – step back and ask how God wants you to handle this
Gather Information about your strengths and weakness
Cooperate with God in learning from the lesson
Conversation with God is imperative
by following these we become spiritually Mature

God is our manufacturer and he will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can handle. He also provides an escape out of the situation.

1 Cor 10:13
13No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Temptation is deceptively disguised but it gives birth to sin and sin gives birth to death.

The main point is this, even if we fail and are mounted on Satan’s trophy wall, we stay there by our own will. That is Satan’s great lie! He convinces us that what we have done is unforgivable or that God could not possible use us again! These are both lies! Remember the greatness of God. ALL of our sins are forgiven. It is our duty now to repent, learn from the experience, and get right with God. Get off Satan’s trophy wall and realize that he has NO power over us. This is how we grow and become more spiritually mature.

Remember our group in your prayers. I will send out the prayer request list by email.
I hope you had a Happy Birthday Pat!
I look forward to seeing everyone this Thursday!

Brian

Week 2 Preview - Fish Baby: the Truth About Temptation

From the very beginning when Eve reached out her hand for that elusive apple, mankind has always been tempted to have and to do what he shouldn't. James reveals that God tests us and refines us through the trials of life. But does God tempt us as well? From James 1:13-18, discover the truth about the temptations we all face and how to resist the desire to do the things you know you shouldn't.

James 1:13-18 are below. I look forward to see all of you this Thursday.

13When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

16Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. 17Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

Brian

Week 1 Recap

What a great first class. Thanks to all who joined us and for those that couldn't make it I'll see you this Thursday. Remember our commitment to pray weekly for each others' trials. Also, include the individual prayer requests from the group.

Just a quick recap of the last session, we covered Ed Young's formula Eic2=M and how to use it in the trials of our life.

E=Evaluate
Examine the trial, identify it, and take a step-back to evaluate it. Look at trials through the eyes of faith. Then make a conscious decision on how God wants you to address it.

i=Information
Each trial gives us information on our strengths and weaknesses.

c=Cooperation
We must cooperate with God in these tests by relying on Him, persevering, and learning the lesson He is placing before us.

c=Conversation
Always go back to God. Talk with Him, listen to Him. Ask Him for your needs. Remember the quote from Oz Guinness

“As believers, we cannot always know why,
But can always know why we trust God,
Who knows why and that makes all the
Difference.”

M=spiritual Maturity
Doing all these things is how we grow in our faith.


Have a good week everyone,

Brian Borden

Week 1 Preview eic2=M Faith Formula for Spiritual Maturity

Living in the X-Zone in the New Testament meant you were putting it all on the line, being pushed to the ropes, for the sake of Christ. James doesn’t pull any punches in the first part of his mini instruction book on Christian living. He guarantees that we will have trials in the Christian life; but we have a powerful ally in the person of Christ, who is supernaturally working in our lives to make each trial and test count for His glory and toward our spiritual maturity. Learn the faith formula for Maturity in James 1:1-12 (verses below), God’s master design for the
X-Trials of life.

I look forward to seeing everyone Thursday night at 7pm at Starbucks (next to the Wal-Mart shopping center). If you can't make it this week, then I'll see you next week!

James 1:1-12 (NIV)
1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. 2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. 9The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 10But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. 11For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. 12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.


In His Service,
Brian Borden