The Epistle of James is one where the author asserts with certainty and authority that followers of Jesus display their faith in their actions. It is not enough to assert in words one?s faith. "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." James 2:26. This short series in James will explore some simple thoughts gleaned from this short but powerful letter.
"Do not merely listen to the word, do what it says." James 1:22
It is a regular practice for Christians to read their bibles and listen to sermons and to become complacent in putting what they read or hear into practice. This tends to be the common source of the accusation that Christians are hypocrites. Let us be encouraged to be active in obeying in lifestyle the commands of our Lord.
Key Passage: James 1:1-25
"If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right." James 2:8
Being active in a way that our faith is displayed in our deeds and actions is not limited to our outside witness, but also our lives within the community of faith. In this sermon we will explore the consistent teaching throughout the New Testament letters regarding our lives together in the body.
Key Passage: James 2:1-26
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7
Taking decided action to worship god and place him at the center of our existence. Our worship to God becomes a natural expression of our faith in him. We should be challenged to worship God and watch the natural progression of our treatment of others and thoughts about life as it mirrors God?s heart.
Key Passage: James 4:4-17
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."James 5:16
The ministry of prayer and confession should never be underestimated in the life of the body of Christ. This sermon will conclude the series on James and launch us into a new series on prayer.