8/8/2026

Good morning church family,

Directory Change:

Sister Desrine has moved to the Tower 11 Apartments
Her new address is:

Desrine Forbes
1491 Central Ave
Apt 506
Bridgeport, CT 06410.

PRAYER REQUESTS:  

The Webber Family

Please keep the Webber family in your prayers. Angela Webber’s husband, Sean, and his sister Annette recently lost their mother, Barbara. We ask God to surround their family with comfort, peace, and strength as they walk through this season of grief.

Samuel Cotte

We lift up Samuel Cotte in prayer. Sam and Linda, who have been attending Trumbull on and off and are members of the West Chester church of Christ, live locally. Sam is scheduled for spinal surgery on August 21st. Please pray for a successful procedure, skilled hands guiding his care, and a smooth recovery.

Randy Springer

Please pray for Randy Springer as he prepares for triple bypass surgery. He will be meeting with his surgeon for a consultation, and we ask God to provide clarity, confidence, and favorable outcomes as Randy moves toward this important procedure.

Logan Nunez

We give thanks that Logan Nunez, our intern, has arrived safely in Texas. He is beginning his final year of schooling, and we pray for his continued growth, wisdom, and perseverance in his studies.

His mailing address is:

Logan Nunez
12401 County Rd. 2500
Lubbock, TX. 79404

Eva Fernandez

Please keep Eva Fernandez in your prayers. Eva, Ray Fernandez’s mother, was hospitalized on Saturday, where doctors discovered a tumor in her lung. At 94 years old, she will be undergoing tests this week to determine possible options. Pray for gentle care, clear results, and God’s steady presence with Eva and her family.

UPCOMING EVENTS:  

Many events are happening over the next few months…all LORD WILLING and with Praise and Glory to God.

Saturday, August 22 at 11:00. –
The young adults will be going to the Beardsley Zoo. Please see Zach or Tori for more details and discounted tickets.

OUR ANNUAL HYMN SING will be on Sunday, September 27th at 3:30 p.m. Stay tuned for more details.

May 2027 is the New England Lectureship.  

The Book of James: A Faith That Works

The New Testament book of James has often been called the “Proverbs of the New Testament” because of its practical wisdom for Christian living. While many books of the Bible explain what Christians should believe, James emphasizes how Christians should live. His inspired message is straightforward, challenging believers to demonstrate their faith through obedient actions. Rather than merely discussing faith, James shows us what genuine faith looks like in everyday life.

James identifies himself simply as “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (James 1:1). Most Bible scholars understand this James to be the brother of Jesus, who became a faithful disciple after the Lord’s resurrection (John 7:5; Acts 1:14). He later served as a respected leader in the Jerusalem church (Acts 15). His humility is remarkable. Although he was Jesus’ earthly brother, he chose not to emphasize that relationship, but instead referred to himself as Christ’s servant.

James addressed his letter “to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad,” referring primarily to Jewish Christians who had been dispersed because of persecution. These Christians faced poverty, discrimination, trials, and temptations. James wrote to encourage them to remain faithful and to remind them that genuine Christianity is seen in faithful obedience, not merely in words.

Joy in the Midst of Trials

One of the first lessons James presents is perhaps one of the most difficult for Christians to accept:

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” (James 1:2–3)

James is not teaching that suffering itself is enjoyable. Rather, he reminds believers that trials develop endurance, spiritual maturity, and complete trust in God. Difficulties often become opportunities for spiritual growth. Every trial provides an occasion to deepen our dependence upon the Lord.

James also encourages believers to seek wisdom from God:

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God…” (James 1:5)

Instead of relying solely on human understanding, faithful Christians are encouraged to pray confidently, believing that God generously provides wisdom to those who ask in faith.

Hearing and Doing God’s Word

James warns against one of the greatest dangers facing religious people—hearing God’s Word without obeying it.

He compares God’s Word to a mirror. Just as a mirror reveals physical imperfections, Scripture reveals the condition of our hearts. Looking into God’s Word without making necessary changes is like walking away from a mirror and immediately forgetting what we saw.

James writes:

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (James 1:22)

The Christian life is not measured merely by church attendance, Bible knowledge, or religious conversation. It is demonstrated through faithful obedience. Genuine disciples allow God’s Word to transform their attitudes, speech, priorities, and actions.

James concludes the chapter by describing “pure religion” as caring for widows and orphans while remaining unspotted by the world (James 1:27). Compassion and holiness always belong together.

Faith That Works

Perhaps no section of James is more well known than chapter two.

Some have mistakenly believed James contradicts the Apostle Paul regarding salvation. In reality, the two writers address different problems. Paul teaches that salvation cannot be earned through works of human merit. James teaches that saving faith always produces obedient action.

James asks:

“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?” (James 2:14)

He illustrates this principle by describing a believer who offers only kind words to someone in need while refusing practical help. Such faith is empty because it produces no action.

James then points to two Old Testament examples:

• Abraham, whose faith was demonstrated by obeying God’s command to offer Isaac.
• Rahab, whose faith was shown by protecting the Israelite spies.

Both individuals believed God, and both acted upon that belief. James concludes:

“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” (James 2:26)

True faith is never inactive.

The Power of the Tongue

James devotes an entire chapter to the power of speech.

Although the tongue is one of the smallest parts of the body, it has tremendous influence. James compares it to:

• A horse’s bit
• A ship’s rudder
• A small spark capable of igniting a great forest fire
  
  

Words can encourage or discourage, heal or wound, teach truth or spread error. Christians are therefore called to exercise great care in their speech.

The same mouth that sings praises to God should never be used to spread gossip, slander, bitterness, or profanity.

James reminds believers that mature Christianity includes mature speech.

Wisdom From Above

Not all wisdom comes from God.

James contrasts two kinds of wisdom.

Earthly wisdom produces jealousy, selfish ambition, confusion, and conflict.

Heavenly wisdom is:

• Pure
• Peaceable
• Gentle
• Willing to yield
• Full of mercy
• Full of good fruits
• Impartial
• Sincere

This wisdom reflects the character of Christ and promotes peace within families, congregations, and communities.

Humility Before God

James strongly warns against pride and worldliness.

He reminds Christians that friendship with the world places one in opposition to God. Instead of pursuing selfish ambitions, believers are encouraged to submit themselves completely to God’s will.

His memorable instruction remains relevant today:

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” (James 4:10)

Humility is not weakness; it is recognizing our complete dependence upon God.

Patience, Prayer, and Hope

The closing chapter encourages Christians to remain patient while awaiting the Lord’s return.

James compares believers to farmers who patiently wait for precious crops. Just as the harvest requires time, spiritual blessings often require perseverance.

He points to Job as an example of steadfast endurance during suffering.

James also emphasizes the importance of prayer.

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16)

Whether facing illness, discouragement, joy, or sin, Christians are instructed to turn to God in prayer. Prayer strengthens individuals and unites congregations.

Lessons for Today’s Christian

The Book of James continues to challenge Christians in every generation.

It reminds us to:

• Trust God during trials.
• Pray for wisdom.
• Obey God’s Word daily.
• Avoid favoritism.
• Care for those in need.
• Guard our speech.
• Pursue heavenly wisdom.
• Walk humbly before God.
• Practice patient endurance.
• Live a faith that is visible through obedience.

James calls every believer beyond mere profession to practical discipleship. As members of Christ’s church, we are not only hearers of God’s Word—we are called to be doers. When our faith is expressed in loving obedience, the world sees the transforming power of the gospel, and God is glorified.

Reflection:
“If someone observed my life for a week, would they see evidence of the living faith James describes?”

Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord
Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord
And he will lift you up
And he will lift you up

Amazing grace how sweet the sound
Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost but now I’m found
I once was lost but now I’m found
Was blind but now I see
Was blind but now I see

When we’ve been there ten thousand years
When we’ve been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun
Bright shining as the sun

We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun
Than when we first begun

[CHORUS]

He will lift you up
He will lift you up

In Him,

Patrick