Guardians of Grace

Faith Without Works? Why 'Dead' Should Be 'Dormant' — A Study of James 2

In this episode Steve walks through James 2:13 onward, reframing "faith without works is dead" as "dormant" and explaining how daily trials test for manifestations of the Holy Spirit. He contrasts the inactive faith of Abraham with the immediate action of Rahab to show how true faith is activated by works.

The episode emphasizes the new covenant: Christ’s Spirit living in us does what we cannot, and we are called to give God credit for the good that comes through us, storing up heavenly treasures by letting the Spirit manifest in our actions.

Treasure in Heaven: Living the New Covenant Reality

Host Steve walks through James chapter 2, emphasizing James 2:12: "Speak and act as those who will be judged by the perfect law that gives freedom." He explains the new covenant judicial system, the need to give God credit for good works, and how depending on the Holy Spirit—rather than human effort—stores up eternal rewards.

The episode challenges listeners to change their daily speech and actions, live by the Spirit, and understand how words can justify or condemn in the age to come.

From Mirror to Miracle: James 1 and the Law That Frees

This episode explores James 1:22–25 alongside Romans 7–8, explaining the difference between being a forgetful hearer and an effectual doer. The host shows how the Spirit — not human effort — empowers true Christian living, setting believers free from the law of sin and producing perseverance and genuine fruit. Practical parallels to Jesus’ teachings and the New Covenant highlight why abiding in Christ is the way to spiritual victory.

Count It All Joy: James, Trials, and the Manifested Spirit

Steve unpacks the opening of James, showing that trials test for manifestations of the Spirit, produce perseverance, and lead to spiritual maturity. He connects James with Paul (Romans and 1 Corinthians) to explain the new-covenant reality of being "in Christ" rather than relying on human effort.

Practical takeaways include asking God for wisdom, humility over self-reliance, being quick to listen and slow to anger, and the promise of the crown of life for those who persevere. The episode ends with a cliffhanger leading into James 1:22–26.

Trials That Reveal the Spirit — James 1 Unpacked

In this episode Steve explains James chapter 1, teaching that trials are not random punishments but tests designed to reveal the Holy Spirits work in us. He contrasts the old-law performance mindset with the new-covenant reality: God puts His Spirit in believers so we can manifest love, patience, perseverance and other fruits during daily trials.

Steve shows how humility, serving others, and relying on the Spirit (not human effort) leads to perseverance and eternal reward — the crown of life. The episode ties James to Paul and Jesus to clarify how new-covenant language reframes faith as visible spiritual manifestation.

Count It All Joy: When Trials Reveal the Spirit

In this episode the host unpacks James 1:2–4, arguing that trials are not merely punishments but tests that reveal whether the Holy Spirit will manifest through us. He emphasizes that in the new covenant, faith is a manifestation of the Spirit and that these daily tests expose either our human (Adamic) nature or the life of Christ within us.

The episode links James to Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians and Romans, urging listeners to ask God for wisdom, believe without doubting, and respond to trials with patience. The goal is spiritual maturity—being perfected and lacking nothing as the Spirit is displayed through our lives.

When Trials Reveal the Spirit: The Heart of James' Message

In this episode Steve introduces a series on the book of James and explains James’ central thesis: trials test for manifestations of the Holy Spirit. He unpacks the new covenant idea that Christians are vessels through which God’s Spirit produces faith, patience, wisdom, and good works, and shows why life’s trials are opportunities to experience and display God’s power rather than mere punishment or reward.

Steve emphasizes that faith and other virtues are manifestations of the Spirit, not human effort, and urges listeners to root their lives in this new-covenant reality so they can bear fruit and give God the proper credit for the good that flows through them.

Faith Unveiled: James and the New Covenant

In this episode, Steve opens the book of James to explain how the New Covenant redefines faith as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit. He contrasts old covenant legalism with the Spirit-led life, showing how trials test our faith and produce perseverance so we can become complete, lacking nothing. Steve also shares personal reflections, encouragement to seek wisdom from God, and the hope that the Spirit empowers us to serve others effectively.

When Divine Power Wins: Spiritual Weapons That Change Us

In this episode Steve explores 2 Corinthians and related New Testament passages to explain that spiritual victory comes from divine power, not human willpower. He emphasizes the Holy Spirit as our "divine weapon" that brings thoughts into obedience, produces the fruit of the Spirit, and enables believers to experience righteousness, peace, and joy—"heaven on earth."

Through reflections on Romans, Galatians, and the new covenant, Steve urges listeners to rely on Christ-in-us rather than self-effort and to live out the kingdom of God daily.

When God Swears by Himself: Abraham, Covenant & the Promise

This episode explores Genesis 15 and the promise God made to Abraham: “I am your shield, I am your very great reward.” Hosts Bill and Steve unpack how God’s covenant—sworn by Himself—rests on God’s faithfulness, not human perfection.

They trace the theme through the Old and New Testaments, showing how Abraham’s credited righteousness points to Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit, offering listeners encouragement and a steadfast hope that anchors the soul.