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Mike Sigman - June 5, 2022

How Trials Work

“We can’t go over it. We can’t go under it. We’ve got to go through it.” So it is with the trials of life. Much as we may want to “go over them” or “under them” to get away from them, we’ve got to “go through them” because, quite simply, that’s the way life works. This weekend, we begin a new series of sermon from the New Testament book of James called Making Faith Work. The first subject James tackles is the subject of trials – the trials of life. You may recall that we explored that very subject three weeks ago as we grappled with suffering in light of eternity. James 1:1-12 is an excellent sequel to that sermon and extremely practical, too. God inspired James to tell us how trials work when you are a follower of Jesus Christ. We’ll learn what role attitude, wisdom and money play in navigating life’s trials. I look forward to exploring God’s truth with you!

Scripture References: James 1:1-12

 

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Glossary of Terms

Atonement

Definition: The saving work of Jesus Christ, who died for the sins of the entire world, making salvation available to all who believe.
Explanation: Christ’s death was universal in provision but effective only for those who trust in Him. Through His sacrifice, the penalty of sin is paid, and reconciliation with God is made possible.
Key Scriptures: Romans 5:6–8; Hebrews 9:12–14; 1 John 2:2

Calling

Definition: God’s invitation through the gospel for all people to repent and believe in Jesus Christ.
Explanation: This calling is extended universally (“whosoever will may come”), yet becomes effectual when the Holy Spirit enables a person to respond freely and faithfully.
Key Scriptures: Romans 10:14–17; Matthew 22:14; Revelation 22:17

Regeneration (Born Again)

Definition: The inward spiritual renewal by the Holy Spirit that gives new life to the believer.
Explanation: Regeneration occurs when a person responds to God’s gracious call with faith. It is the Spirit’s work, but it is not forced—it coincides with a person’s genuine faith and repentance.
Key Scriptures: John 3:3–8; Titus 3:4–7; Ephesians 2:1–7

Conversion

Definition: The personal turning from sin to God in faith and repentance.
Explanation: Conversion includes both repentance (turning away from sin) and faith (trusting in Christ for salvation). It represents the human side of salvation—enabled by grace, but not coerced.
Key Scriptures: Acts 2:37–38; Acts 16:14–15; Ephesians 2:8–10

Justification

Definition: God’s declaration that a believer is forgiven of sin and made righteous through faith in Christ.
Explanation: Justification is based entirely on Christ’s work and received by faith alone. It is not earned but graciously given when a person trusts in Christ.
Key Scriptures: Romans 3:23–28; Romans 5:1–10; Galatians 2:16

Adoption

Definition: The act of God by which believers are welcomed into His family as sons and daughters.
Explanation: Through faith, believers not only receive pardon but also the privilege of being God’s children, loved, accepted, and given the Spirit of adoption.
Key Scriptures: John 1:12–13; Romans 8:14–17; Galatians 4:4–7

Sanctification

Definition: The lifelong process of being made holy—set apart for God and conformed to Christ’s character.
Explanation: Sanctification is both instantaneous and progressive. At salvation, believers are set apart; throughout life, they grow in grace through the Spirit’s work and their cooperation with it.
Key Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 4:3–8; Philippians 2:12–13; Hebrews 12:14

Perseverance

Definition: The believer’s continued faith and obedience made possible by God’s sustaining grace.
Explanation: God faithfully keeps all who remain in Christ, yet Scripture warns believers not to fall away. Salvation is secure so long as one abides in Christ by faith.
Key Scriptures: John 15:5–10; 1 John 2:24–25; Hebrews 3:12–14

Glorification

Definition: The final transformation of believers into the likeness of Christ when He returns.
Explanation: At the resurrection, believers will receive glorified bodies free from sin and death, sharing forever in Christ’s victory and glory.
Key Scriptures: Romans 8:23–30; 1 Corinthians 15:42–44; Philippians 3:20–21