Prayer & Care
One of the most basic expressions of real faith is prayer. Yet prayer can be a struggle for us. We know that we're supposed to pray, but sometimes we wonder what difference it makes. James assures us that prayer is powerful, and teaches us how we can become people of prayer.
Living in the Last Days
Our perception of what will occur when the world ends impacts how we live in the present. For example, how we use our wealth, spend our time, and our willingness to compromise can indicate our beliefs about the future. How does real faith transform the way we live in these last days?
If the Lord Wills
Making plans for the future is part of living well in the world. But how we go about this reveals our deepest beliefs about God, ourselves, and who has control of our lives. This sermon explores the difference real faith makes to our planning and hopes for the future.
Grace for the Humble
Conflict and fighting seem to be all around us. We seem to experience conflict wherever we go. Many believe it is because of other people, but James 4 shows us that the issue is deeper than we realise. To live peacefully with others, we need to change our attitude, and James shows us how.
Wisdom from Above
This age is full of self-proclaimed gurus and influencers. It seems many think they’re an expert on how life works. But who is truely wise? What does true wisdom actually look like? Do you have wisdom? This sermon examines what true wisdom is and how to get it.
Powerful Words
Our words can significantly impact those around us, either bringing people together or destroying relationships. Our words can also reveal what's happening beneath the surface of our lives. Here we see how God views our words and how real faith changes how we use our words.
Faith that Works
How do you know if your faith in God is real and living, or dead and useless? This is not a theoretical matter. It’s a question of whether you are truly saved. In his provocative style, James pushes us to take a deeper look at our lives and see if the evidence for real faith is really there.
Show No Partiality
Usually, we gravitate towards those we value and admire while avoiding or perhaps judging people who are different from us. How we treat those who are different from us reveals our thoughts and beliefs. We'll consider how having real faith empowers us to move towards others in love and mercy.
People of the Word
How can know your faith in God is real faith? One of the tests James gives us is to consider our relationship with God’s word. Is it characterised by humble acceptance or avoidance? Are you are hearer only or a doer of God’s word? Does living God’s word feel like a burden or liberty?
Growing in Trials
Life is full of challenges that can test our limits or tempt us to do something we regret. However, God shows us in James 1 how we can not only endure trials but also use them as an opportunity to grow.