Jul 30, 2023
The Sermon on the Mouth – Part 2
Series: James
When 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-12
July 30, 2023
 
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  • Jul 30, 2023The Sermon on the Mouth – Part 2
    Jul 30, 2023
    The Sermon on the Mouth – Part 2
    Series: James
    When 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-12
    July 30, 2023
     
    To watch the video of this message, click here.
  • Jul 23, 2023The Sermon on the Mouth – Part 1
    Jul 23, 2023
    The Sermon on the Mouth – Part 1
    Series: James
    Small 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 3:1-5a
    July 23, 2023
     
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  • Jul 16, 2023Don’t Just Stand There… Do Something!
    Jul 16, 2023
    Don’t Just Stand There… Do Something!
    Series: James
    In 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 2:18-26
    July 16, 2023
     
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  • Jul 9, 2023Checking the Tree for Fruit
    Jul 9, 2023
    Checking the Tree for Fruit
    Series: James
    In 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 2:14-17
    July 9, 2023
     
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  • Jul 2, 2023The Problem With Partiality
    Jul 2, 2023
    The Problem With Partiality
    Series: James
    God 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 2:8-13
    July 2, 2023
     
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  • Jun 25, 2023Book-Cover Bias
    Jun 25, 2023
    Book-Cover Bias
    Series: James
    We 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 2:1-7
    June 25, 2023
     
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  • Jun 18, 2023The Making of a Man
    Jun 18, 2023
    The Making of a Man
    Series: Father's Day
    What makes a man a man?  Our culture has various ways of answering that question. It honestly doesn't matter what our culture things.  Far more important would be to answer the question, what is a real man in God's eyes?
     
    In 1 Kings 2:1-4, Israel's King David was used by God to answer that question as he wrote his final words to his son Solomon.  God calls men to be strong and show yourself a man.  He shows us that Being a real man requires being a Christian man; Being a real man requires following God's direction; and Being a real man requires being in the Word.
     
    Real men live for the Lord. 1 Kings 2:1-4
     
     
    1 Kings 2:1-4
    Father's Day
    June 18, 2023
     
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  • Jun 11, 2023Biting Your Tongue and Biding Your Time
    Jun 11, 2023
    Biting Your Tongue and Biding Your Time
    Series: James
    Real faith loves others and lives right before God.
     
     
    James 1:26-27
    June 11, 2023
     
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  • Jun 4, 2023Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall
    Jun 4, 2023
    Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall
    Series: James
    James 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 1:22-25
    June 4, 2023
     
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  • May 28, 2023Taking a Good Hard Look
    May 28, 2023
    Taking a Good Hard Look
    Series: James
    Our 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 1:19-21
    May 28, 2023
     
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