Those of us who are of means--and even those who aren't--are often tempted to put more confidence in our future than is reasonable. But planning that ignores God’s providential care is in error.
Who Are You to Judge?
James' point is pretty clear: don't speak evil against a fellow Christian. But before we glance over it too quickly, let's be sure we understand the meaning of, motivations for, and monition of that command.
Changing Course
James uses the strongest language in his letter to exhort that those who've gone wayward need to change their course.
No Peace in the Pursuit
Please accept our apologies; this sermon did not get recorded due to technical difficulties. For your listening enjoyment, Pastor Chris recommends "Against the Silence (Long for More)" by Stavesacre, whence the title of this sermon was derived. Spotify | Google Play Music | Amazon Music
Sin, Folly, and the Tongue
We usually consider sins of speech to be the minor sins, the "little matters." But the Bible routinely portrays them as awful evils. James is no exception.
Show Me Your Faith
Biblical faith is inseparable from good works, but for good works to be good, they must spring from a trust relationship in Jesus Christ.
How We Deal with Who
America is fractured by race, class, age. And the American Church often isn't much better. To 1st Century Christians, James taught that cosmetic favoritism is contrary to faith in Christ.
Doers (James 1:21-27)
Like Jesus before him, James argues that truly embracing the Gospel means that things change: If we are called by Christ we must conform to Christ.
The Heart and the Tongue (James 1:19-20)
Sometimes the meaning of a passage is all too clear. The difficulty is applying it to our lives. So it is here: We must control our tongues and hearts to live lives pleasing to God.
Trials by Fire and Faith (James 1:12-18)
When difficult times come, we often lose sight of the big picture. The Bible teaches, however, that God’s good gift of salvation should be our great fixation in time of trial and tribulation.