FAITH IS ASSURANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR Cards 104-107 FAITH IS ASSURANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR A CONVICTION OF THINGS NOT SEEN (HEBREWS 11:1 What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbmq3IL5E4Q HEAVEN

CHASTENING BY GOD YIELD PEACEABLE FRUIT; Peaceful fruit to those that yield to his chastening—they are made better! EVEN THE FRUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS --their hearts are brought into conformity with the mind, law and will of God—they become righteous when they are responsive children of His! Punishment Means Love (Hebrews 12:11 Being punished isn’t enjoyable while it is happening—it hurts! But afterwards we can see the result, a quite growth in grace and character. God as our Father chastens us because He loves us. Only a loving father chastens. Who does not love does not chasten. Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owx3ao42kwI

CHURCH MEMBERS ARE TO OBEY THOSE THAT HAVE RULE OVER THEM (ELDERS) HEBREWS 13:17 17Obey your spiritual leaders and be willing to do what they say. For their work is to watch over your souls, and God will judge them on how well they do this. Give them reason to report joyfully about you to the Lord and not with sorrow, for then you will suffer for it too. - God’s plan to have elders rule each congregation, includes the submission of the members to the elders. - Elders are to watch over the souls of the members. If the members will not obey the instructions of faithful elder, it will be impossible for elders to give account for their souls. - The submission of members to elders brings joy, while the lack of submission by members brings grief. Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmRjyQlWyQg

TO RECEIVE WISDOM, A CHRISTIAN SHOULD ASK GOD FOR IT JAMES 1:5 5 If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask Him, and He will gladly tell you, for He is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask Him; He will not resent it. James tells us that if any of us would have wisdom, all we have to do is ask of God ---God gives to His children liberally ---We are told it will be given to us - Wisdom is the backbone of faith, without wisdom we cannot fully understand God’s word. Each of us should constantly seek more wisdom though prayer. Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BotClS_6bI

FAITH WIHOUT WORKS IS DEAD (James 2:17) 17 So you see, it isn’t enough just to have faith. You must also do good to prove that you have it. Faith that doesn’t show itself by good works is no faith at all—it is dead and useless. --Works is the proof of our faith. When we do work in the church we do not earn our salvation, we only show our obedience. --As James stated—by our works we show our faith. James’ letter gives very practical advice about how to live a Christian life. Here are some of his teachings: Respect all people, rich and poor alike. Never think that some are more important than others. You must show kindness to people, or God will not show kindness to you. Check you tongue. We say we love God, but then we turn around and curse people. The tongue is full of poison that can kill, so watch what you say! Do not brag about your wisdom. If you are truly wise, you will show it by living right. Do not try to control life yourself. Be open to what God wants for your life. Let your word be true. When you mean yes, say only “yes.” Do not use the Lord’s name to prove what you say. In sickness, happiness, good times and bad, pray to God. When righteous people pray, great things happen. Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsXdYwe0TJE