Well I survived the all night hangout at church. Woo. It was alot of fun and it was eye opening to me. I enjoyed sharing with the guys in our small group.  The night continued and we enjoyed each others comany in a game of clue. It was a big fail but it was okay. Then I had to drive some people back to campus at 11:30 pm after clue and then I drove back. I got changed into my pajamas and played a little bit of Band Hero. I rocked the drums and I was proud of it yea :) Sleep was great that night, and I slept like a rock.

Church since I have been attending has been doing a study on the book of James. It has really hit home with me, Loving others just as I love myself. Dont show personal favoritism because if you do that you commit sin. Showing mercy to others. I never thought that 'works' had to be a part of the christian life. In this context James is saying that if you are a christian and are claiming to be, there will be works or evidence that Christ has changed your life. When people look at you they should see the son of the living God.  If someone is in need and you have what they are looking for and you just pass them by you are in sin.

People tell me all the time 'that they believe in God' , the context of 'believe' is aknowledge who He is, put we are not going to put of faith and trust in Him. Works in the context of James is living like Christ. Abraham is a good example of showing works when he was about to sacrifice his son Issac. Abraham had the faith in God that this is what He had commanded of Abraham, God was looking to see if Abraham would be faithful to Him. Rahab the prostitute showed works when she knew that Joshua with the power of God was going to take over the land and she already knew that they would conquer the land. She had the faith and God spared her house when the walls collapsed.

After all this bad talk? what now, talking about sin and struggles..... THERE IS HOPE by the cross of Christ, he died so that we could live and that we can live with Him forever. You may be reading this and you may not know Jesus but you can always accept Him today. Will You??

Matt