This week Pastor Derek breaks down how James continues to outline faith in action where it concerns temptation. Why are born-again believers tempted, and how can we overcome it? James says that a crown of life is the reward for the one perseveres. 

In the final message from the book of Jonah Pastor Derek shows how Jonah's anger is contrasted against God's love, and asks the questions if we like wise wish God's favor only for ourselves? Do we make the mistake of believing that we are somehow more worthy of His grace than others are? Is that grace? Do we actually desire judgement on our enemies? Do we forget we were once enemies of God ourselves? 

This week Pastor Derek begins our series through the book of Jonah. Jonah is one of the most unique stories in the Bible. Jonah, prophet of Israel is not only seen as a literal story, but also one that prefigures Israel's relation to the rest of the ancient world, and at certain points, a foreshadowing of the ultimate salvation found in Christ. Here at the beginning, Jonah finds himself at odds with the mission he's been given. As Jonah foolishly tries to flee God, we are brought face to face with the foolishness of our own attempts to flee when we are asked to be obedient. 

Paul outlines Christian freedom.  But is it how most people define freedom today?  In very strong language, Paul rebukes the hollow teachings of the Judaizers and urges the Christians in Galatia to recognize that the only thing that matters is faith expressing itself through love.