The book of James teaches us that trials are struggle that we face that we didn't ask for or do anything to cause.  As we face these trials we should consider it pure joy.  The joy doesn't come because the trial is fun, but rather the joy comes because we are growing closer to God.  The trial helps us develop our faith "muscles."

Temptation comes from our own sinful desires which when concieved gives birth to sin and sin always leads to death.  Temptation is deadly because all one has to do is just "think" about doing something and the desire will grow and grow.  James tells us the ugly and honest truth- Sin always destorys.  

Click on the blog title or the comment link to see the slides from this week's lesson-   We will examine the trias of Joseph and the temptation of Abraham.

Trials and Temptations test our faith and our character.  Often times a trial can be avoided if one takes the easy way out, which means one gives in to temptation.  Noah and Lot both lived in a civilation that was destroyed by God because of their great sin.  Noah was given the task of building a boat, and Lot on the other hand had to be drug out of Sodom before it was destroyed.

How do you live around temptation without giving into it?  Are you more like Noah or Lot?  click on the blog title or comment section to see the power point slides from this week's lesson. 

Our view of God will shape the way we look at trials-  Job faced a major trial as Satan tested him and tried to make him curse God.  Through all of the suffering and pain Job never once cursed God for all that happened.

Jacob on the other hand always seemed to decieve his way out of every trail he faced.  A temptation will always leave to death, but it often is easier to decieve than to be truthful.

Click on the blog title or the comment link to see the slides from this week's power point lesson.