Aug 6, 2023
The Wise and the Otherwise
Series: James
Whether we realize it or not, most of us crave wisdom in some way. We want to make wise decisions in life, in business, at school, or at work. We want to do the right thing and do it well. So, how do we demonstrate wisdom in our lives?
James again speaks to the topic of wisdom at the end of the 3rd chapter of his letter. He starts off by exhorting his readers to 1) Show Wisdom in Your Life. Then he turns to consider two types of wisdom and their origins, looking first at 2) False Wisdom which Comes from Below, and finally, 3) True Wisdom which Comes from Above.
Wisdom is seen in our actions and shown in our humility.
James 3:13-18
Aug. 6, 2023
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- Aug 6, 2023The Wise and the Otherwise
Aug 6, 2023The Wise and the OtherwiseSeries: JamesWhether we realize it or not, most of us crave wisdom in some way. We want to make wise decisions in life, in business, at school, or at work. We want to do the right thing and do it well. So, how do we demonstrate wisdom in our lives?James again speaks to the topic of wisdom at the end of the 3rd chapter of his letter. He starts off by exhorting his readers to 1) Show Wisdom in Your Life. Then he turns to consider two types of wisdom and their origins, looking first at 2) False Wisdom which Comes from Below, and finally, 3) True Wisdom which Comes from Above.Wisdom is seen in our actions and shown in our humility.James 3:13-18Aug. 6, 2023To watch the video of this message, click here.
- Jul 30, 2023The Sermon on the Mouth – Part 2
Jul 30, 2023The Sermon on the Mouth – Part 2Series: JamesWhen things are out of control they often are dangerous and are prone to causing damage. This is especially true with our tongue – the words we say can cause damage disproportionate to the size of that little muscle in our mouth.In the conclusion of his "Sermon on the Mouth," James explains 3 things about the negative potential of our speech: 1) The Tongue is Destructive; 2) The Tongue is Difficult to Control; and 3) The Tongue is Prone to Double Talk.The destructive power of the tongue can only be tamed through our dependence on God.James 5b-12July 30, 2023To watch the video of this message, click here.
- Jul 23, 2023The Sermon on the Mouth – Part 1
Jul 23, 2023The Sermon on the Mouth – Part 1Series: JamesSmall things can have a great impact. Germs, for instance, are microscopic, but can cause us to become very sick. White blood cells are also extremely tiny, but, by contrast, can help us recover from being sick. In the same way, your tongue is among the smaller parts of your body, but it can have a great impact for good or evil.In the first half of chapter 3, James talks to us about controlling our tongue. He starts by warning that 1) Teachers Need to Cautiously Consider Their Responsibility. Secondly, James explains that 2) Careful Communication is a Sign of Christian Maturity.You have a choice: control your tongue, or let it control you.James 3:1-5aJuly 23, 2023To watch the video of this message, click here.
- Jul 16, 2023Don’t Just Stand There… Do Something!
Jul 16, 2023Don’t Just Stand There… Do Something!Series: JamesIn a lot of ways, I suppose, talk is cheap. It’s not what we say that necessarily matters, it’s what we do that often defines us. This is exactly the point that James makes regarding our faith – it’s not just claiming to have faith that matters – it’s demonstrating that faith by what we do.In James 2:18-26, our author argues that we need to show our faith by our loving actions. Four things show up in this passage: 1) Self-Styled Religion is not Saving Faith; 2) Intellectual Agreement is not Saving Faith; 3) Belief Without Behavior is not Saving Faith; and 4) Faith Without Deeds is Dead and Cannot Save.Our actions prove the reality of our profession.James 2:18-26July 16, 2023To watch the video of this message, click here.
- Jul 9, 2023Checking the Tree for Fruit
Jul 9, 2023Checking the Tree for FruitSeries: JamesIn a very well known passage of Scripture, James explains that faith and works must go together. James 2:14-17 gives us 3 things that are true about real faith: 1) Real Faith is More Than an Empty Confession; 2) Real Faith is More Than False Compassion; and 3) Real Faith Either Works or it’s Dead.Real faith should show real fruit.James 2:14-17July 9, 2023To watch the video of this message, click here.
- Jul 2, 2023The Problem With Partiality
Jul 2, 2023The Problem With PartialitySeries: JamesGod doesn’t play favorites, He freely offers forgiveness to everyone if they will confess their sins, repent and ask for His forgiveness. It’s this same a forgiving, unyielding love, that God desires for us to demonstrate toward one another.In his ongoing look at the problem with partiality, James highlights 4 things we need to understand: 1) Loving Others is Our Lord’s Command; 2) Playing Favorites is a Serious Sin; 3) We Are All Guilty of Breaking God’s Law; 4) Living Right in God’s Sight Means Showing Love and Mercy.Live right and love without limitations.James 2:8-13July 2, 2023To watch the video of this message, click here.
- Jun 25, 2023Book-Cover Bias
Jun 25, 2023Book-Cover BiasSeries: JamesWe all have favorites in certain areas of our lives. You might have a favorite flavor of ice cream, a favorite shirt, or a favorite song. These things are fairly harmless. But, playing favorites can cause real problems when it comes to relationships.In the second chapter of James' letter, he addresses the problem of partiality in the church. These 3 points become clear in this passage: 1) Personal Favoritism Has No Place in the Christian Faith; 2) We Shouldn’t Be Biased on the Basis of Outward Impressions; 3)God Recognizes People According to Their Faith, Not Their Fortune.Don’t combine faith with the faulty standards of the world.James 2:1-7June 25, 2023To watch the video of this message, click here.
- Jun 11, 2023Biting Your Tongue and Biding Your Time
Jun 11, 2023Biting Your Tongue and Biding Your TimeSeries: JamesReal faith loves others and lives right before God.James 1:26-27June 11, 2023To watch the video of this message, click here.
- Jun 4, 2023Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall
Jun 4, 2023Mirror, Mirror, on the WallSeries: JamesJames uses the example of a person looking in a mirror to speak of what our approach to God’s Word should be – the whole purpose of looking into it ought to be with an eye toward making whatever changes we see that are needed.Three things show up in James 1:22-25. 1) God’s Simple Direction to Us is, “Don’t Just Hear, Do!”; 2) A Deluded Outlook is Dangerous; 3) We Are Blessed as We Diligently Do All God Commands Us To.Put into practice what you profess to believe.James 1:22-25June 4, 2023To watch the video of this message, click here.
- May 28, 2023Taking a Good Hard Look
May 28, 2023Taking a Good Hard LookSeries: JamesOur goal as Christians is not simply to go to heaven – it’s to become more like Christ on earth. We need to strive to actively obey God’s commands, seeking to honor Him in all we say, think and do. If we’re going to be changed, we need to take a good hard look at our lives and evaluate where we need to be changed from the inside out.In James 1:19-21, our author first explains that that 1) self-control is crucial to Christian obedience. He then shows us that 2) human wrath does not achieve the righteousness of God. The last verse of our text makes clear that 3) God wants us to have a right response to His Word.In our quest for active obedience, we need to put aside our unrighteous anger.James 1:19-21May 28, 2023To watch the video of this message, click here.
